Greetings from the Land of the Rising Sun

Greetings from Kyoto. Just completed the Tokyo leg of my Japan tour. Still cannot forgive myself for oversleeping on the 2nd day. As a result, i had to miss out on travelling to Nikko. Was having quote a hectic time while in tokyo. All in all, 3 days is definitely not enough for tokyo and think i will have to go back there another time to really see the whole of tokyo. (To be honest, i have not even completed tokyo city by itself yet -- the artistic centre in ueno, akihbara and even tokyo undeground shopping street, not to even mention the outskirts region of nikko and of course a more detailed exploration of hakone and Mt Fuji)

Anyway, first day in Kyoto today and i am running into cashflow trouble. The problem with Japan is that card is not widely accepted and as a result, i have to pay for my hostel and transport fees via cash. Lesson learnt, exchange more cash and heck about credit. If really bo pian, at least open an account with citibank (and not our lousy UOB or DBS) At least u can withdraw cash from ATM at convenience stores which are open 24 hours.

First impression about Kyoto. Its temples, temples and more temples (plus the ocassional cemeteries guarded by the temples). Temples to Japan is like what catherdrals to Spain. Had a whale of a time jumping from temple to temple, and just like my cathedral hopping, i can spend up to an hour in each. And it is here that i realise the greatest difference between Catholic and Buddhism. In Christianity, the focus is the cathedral wth all the mini chapels housing the tombs and potraits of various bishops, popes and saints which the masses can pray and relate to. In Zen Buddishm, the focus is on nature where people carry out activities and reflect on their way of life based on the teachings of Buddha. Statues of Buddha are seen, together with the altar of many great abbots but the main focus is nevertheless still on self reflection admist the calm and beauty of the various gardens.

Halfway through my Japan trip now. Feel sad that its ending soon and the thought of me having to go back to work at this time next week just make me sian. But anyway, it will be deer watching at Nara tomorrow so i m going to sleep now

O-yasu-mi-na-sai!!!