Day 16: Bridges are the best

It's like a poor man's crane.



Traffic




What is this kid doing by herself?




Two points for green.

Day 16: market

Somewhere among the northern jaunts of Kyoto there is a market that consists of an alleyway that cuts across the city for dozens of blocks.


Didn't try one of these little guys




Did try this though. They roasted the tea right there for you according to your tastes.




Something for him. Sorta.




Something for her.

Day 16: Last temple

Not a great photo, but I like it for some reason.




The hand is saying something. I'm not sure what yet, but I agree.




In my way = in my picture.




Looks almost fake.

Day 16: Last of this temple promise

Wow I'm behind.



Wish I could erase that random man on the right




Hard to see in a pic so small, but there's a policeman in there if you look carefully



This would look better large.

Day 16: More temples

I'll start of this post by saying that I've once again forgotten by now the name of this temple, but I would, upon returning to Kyoto be able to find it on a map. And yes I will return.



I believe it is tradition to wash your hands before entering. I've seen some wash their faces and even drink from the water as well.



Damn those cones




Hello!



If only that tree on the right wasn't there :P Loved the temple seeing outfit though.

Day 16: umbrellas

Japan and umbrellas. You can't go wrong.


I like how she's holding the umbrella.




Stylin.

Day 16: More temples

Back at Kyoto station to head off to more temples




The temple




The hat

Day 15: More nightlife

Some go out, others go home.




The menu




The crowd



The end

day 15: nightlife

The nightlife in Kyoto is rather unique in that it largely appears that there isn't one. If Tokyo is the nightclub with music blaring out onto the streets, Kyoto is the speakeasy. One minute a silent alleyway, but a couple hidden turns and a staircase and you can already hear the clinking of glasses as they meet with beer inside.



Fast lens = bright night images.



I probably should have cropped in a little more.



The alleyway



The place to be.



The reward: chicken gizzards and beer. Life is good.



Good night.

Day 15 pt 4: couples and trains

Dang flower.











Love this green

Day 15: pt3

Some BW's on the way to the temple. Once again, I've forgotten the name of it, but I could have easily spent a day hiking around through the the thousands of tori.


Once again, a nostalgic photo.

Day 15: pt 2

I finally got around to putting my computer together and hooking up my network. I've been away from the blog for quite some time now due to my recent move. Ironically, what motivated me to finally get back to it was because - like many people these days - my thoughts are on Japan. It is such a wondrous and beautiful place for me, and it upsets me greatly to see what it's going through right now. If there is any country that can rally through disaster and persevere, it is Japan. I imagine it will do it with speed, grace and hopefully with the help of many other countries.

Here's pt 2 of my temple day in Kyoto. There was a temple that I wasn't able to see the last time I was in Kyoto so I made the effort this time to make the trip down. First stop some food, then Kyoto station.



I am a stalker



Outside the station. Loved the blue against the intense red bus.




Inside the station. If you squint it looks like a Picasso collage.




Love stairs. Always so dramatic. Elevators are boring.




Had to come back here as an homage

Day 15: Temples

Kyoto, to me is where you go to see temples and get a quick taste of the more traditional side of Japan. I can't remember the name of this temple, but the journey to get there and actually find it was just as entertaining as the place itself.


Where you wash your hands and the statues. Each one represents something. I forget what.




The ladle



That fountain overlooks this cemetary




There is a significance to all the statues, I forget what though.








There's a name for these fancy types of arrangements, and I can't remember what it's called. I wanted to see a lot more of them, but this is the only one I got to see during the trip. Next time I'll be sure to see more. It's strange but the composition of these things are really quite extraordinary if you pay close attention.




Sun is out, so it's black and white :)




Much better light in the shade. This bamboo trail led to the water fountain in the first image.




Looking back before leaving. Light was pretty harsh, but I still like this one for some reason.