Saturday, November 11, 2006

Kyoto again: Ryoanji, Meianji, and Sannenzaka

Everyone is taking tons of photos so the album for this year`s trip will be incredible!

We woke again at 6 am for 6:30 meditation. We headed to breakfast at 8 am to filler up for the long day ahead. Our first destination was the world famous dry garden, Ryoanji. Then we headed to Meianji at the other end of town where we offered honkyoku in front of the altar of Kyochiku Zenji. We all took turns playing a honkyoku then we all played Honshirabe and Tamuke together. The head priest wasn`t there, so his 85 year old mother greeted us. She was very helpful and hospitable to us on this day. After Meianji we all ate okonomiyaki at an excellent hole in the wall shop called Kana. Then we all headed to Sanenezaka where we visit Hakuba, the store where I buy all my samue. The owner, Fujie-san was very happy to see us and many of our group bought one or two sets of samue, which made him feel even more happier! Everyone came out very happy. Jane and Peter walked back to the Ryokan and the rest of us spent the next few hours walking the traditional shopping street of Gojozaka, being intoxicated by all the beautiful stores. Everyone completed most of their Christmas shopping which was very satisfying. We got back to the Ryokan at 7:30, very tired, but very satisfied!

To be continued...

Alcvin Ramos
www.bamboo-in.com
ramos@dccnet.com

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