March 16th, Day 11 - Packed and ready to leave for Kyoto. This is all my stuff.

This is all Vi's stuff.

This is all Vi's stuff.

This is all Vi's stuff.

Good bye Tokyo.

You can tell that without the costume she was still very attractive.

I thought this little princess was a prince. The train's coming.

On the train a mealcart sold snacks just like on a plane.

Vi spoke to this man in Japanese for the entire trip to Kyoto. He was going down south to visit his wife's grave. Every stop we made on the way he would takeout a photo of her and show her where we were. It was extemely touching. These are the moments I'll remember.

This is the sculpture I found in our Ryokan (Japanese Inn).

Collie flowers like these are very popular in Japan.

Walking around, checking out Kyoto.

This scene with the Kyoto Tower in the background reminds me of the Middle East. Even though I've never been to the Middle East.

Downtown Kyoto was so peaceful compared to Tokyo.

Pachinko Parlours are as popular as pubs in Australia. I did have a game before leaving Japan. Had no idea what I was doing. Those little metal balls were so hypnotic.

March 17th, Day 12 - This day will always be remembered for Vi's grumpyness. It was extreme and much more then I had ever bargained for. The source of her grumpyness was simply not knowing exactly how to get from A to B. For a young lady who has a very poor sense of direction, even at home, getting lost in Kyoto turned her into the grumpyest person on Earth. I have a sense of direction like a homing pigeon, so I was trying to put forth to her the idea of just enjoying the process of finding our way and cherishing unexpected discoveries. After all, we were in one of the safest cities in the world, the worst that could happen to us was a short taxi ride back to our hotel. But do you think she would listen to reason? She was just Ms grumpy-pants the entire day and night. The day started beautifully with no signs of the troubles ahead. This photo is the main imperial palace, Nijo-Jo, in Kyoto. Home to the elite samurai.

The gardens were strangely not as spectacular as I had expected., but it was winter.

I've never seen ladders like this before.

I've never seen trees like this before.

The palace had several fortified walls.

The gold fish in this mote was the size of small babies.

This is the shoe rack before you enter the samurai sleeping quarters. The floor boards here were designed to creek loudly so that no unexpected ninjas could mount a surprise attack.

Not Ninjas

Grumpyness starts here. It didn't help that we were using a map drawn by a ten year old. We had to catch the subway then walk to this tram station filled with bicycles.

Then we had to get off our tram and get on another tram.

Because she's not sure if this is the right way, one lady here is very GRUMPY.

After a 20 minute walk we arrived at our destination (without getting lost). The Unesco world heritage listed Ryoan - ji Temple. I know it from the Polaroid colleges of David Hockney.

A little hard to find Zen with this many people around. This rock garden is considered the absolute masterpiece of Japanese culture.

We didn't stay long. I felt I understood what the rock garden was about. Finding Zen isn't about starring at a bunch of rocks. Like all great artworks, the answer of Zen lies within each viewer.

The garden had seen better days. I think it's time for a Backyard Blitz.

Then we caught a very long bus ride back into town.

This is what we came to Kyoto to see. The lantern festival.

The Fox's wedding procession

We stumbled upon this narrow laneway lined with red lanterns and real Geishas going about their business. Upon seeing this, the grumpyness stopped.

Best icecream I had ever tasted. The rest of the world needs to catch-up.