SEPTEMBER 2019 : JAPAN : DAY 2 : Kyoto

A big day today - sorry for all the photos -  I felt so wide-eyed with so much to see and learn. All our senses were certainly satisfied today. We chose to do a Philosophers’ Walk tour today in eastern Kyoto.

 It first breakfast (included) at the hotel. First time for scrambled eggs with sea urchin and eel.

Our guide was Keiji, organised through Oku, our walking company

We travelled by Metro and then walked under a large arch, when we arrived, only to find that it was an old bridge called the Keage Incline. It was built in the nineteenth century as Japan began to modernise, which held a railway line. The railway winched boats, carrying water from a large lake, to provide water for Kyoto residents. We suggested locks, like in Ottawa, might have been more efficient.

Nanzenji Temple, a former villa of Emperor Kameyama, built in 1264.

Eikando Zenrin-ji Temple, originally a training hall for priest, established in 853 AD.

This garden had thousands of maple trees.

Many sculptures representing blessings for children.

Ginkakuji Temple and World Heritage Site, was established in 1482. It is important as the beginning of Japanese culture with the simple  room design and decor. It had a large dry white stone sculpture of the sea and a mountain, which reflects the moonlight on a full moon.

All hail to the gardeners in these temple precincts. Pine trees, for example, are pruned daily, removing dead fronds and leaving only upward fronds on each branch. 

Some of the characters we encountered

The Philosophers’ Walk is so named because at the end of the nineteenth century university professors began walking along the canal to discuss issues and contemplate. We walked the full length from temple to temple and enjoyed the sights and people along the way.

For lunch we went to a restaurant on the canal that specialised in soba or buckwheat noodles.

O

They ground their own buckwheat with an electric millstone

Soba noodles with accompaniments and tempura vegetables

Some natural wonders

Mixed - green tea and vanilla ice creams

We visited the home and museum of the artist, Hashimoto Kansetsu (1883-1945) during the height of a lightning storm.

His painting bridges eastern and western traditions. Exquisite.

A bus back to our hotel but Keiji wasn’t finished with us yet. Our hotel is across the road to a massive shopping mall - 400m north/south and east/west. After a few 1000 steps we found the old market with oysters as big as a hand.

Dinner in the shopping precinct.

Keiji recommended this restaurant for its pork fillet.

They gave you a mortar and pestle to grind up sesame seed and then you added your preferred sauce for the pork.

It’s all about toilet etiquette. So many choices, and sounds to muffle any awkward moments. The classic today was changing from temple slippers to toilet slippers to use the bathroom.

Certainly a fascinating day. Just praying we won’t have any thunderstorms on our walk, which we start tomorrow.

M&M

SEPTEMBER 2019 : JAPAN : DAY 1 : Ottawa - Vancouver - Osaka - Kyoto

Today we flew to Osaka (Japan) from Ottawa via Vancouver. 5 hours to Vancouver and 9 hours to Osaka.

Flying into Vancouver over the Canadian Rockies. Still snow.

Great movies on the first flight - Rocket Man and Tolkien. We had a short stopover in Vancouver.

We arrived in Osaka about 3pm (having lost a day in the process, crossing the International Dateline) and were impressed with was a very efficient visa/customs process and plenty of assistance to move the crowds along. We were caught an intercity train to Kyoto from the airport. It took about an hour with Osaka and Kyoto merging into dense housing developments. There were vegetable and rice plots nestled in between the urban sprawl. 

We were proud of our first efforts on Japanese trains, particularly transferring to the Metro system and finding our hotel.

First impressions of Kyoto, at a surprising very humid 32oC on our arrival.

We are in Japan to do a walk, The Nakasendo Way. We have organised our trip with a company, Oku, who have booked us modern hotels in Kyoto and Tokyo with traditional accommodation on the route. Tonight we are staying in the very comfortable Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo, which is in the centre of a large restaurant district and close to public transport.

M&M

SEPTEMBER 2019 : CANADA : DAY 14 : Ottawa

Ottawa

Our last day in Canada today so we had a few sights to check off our list. Another beautifully clear day but it is definitely feeling a little more chilly, so we have obviously had the best of the end of summer weather.

There are so many surprises around the city. This sculpture of an Anishinabe scout in Major Park, for example, acknowledging the role of First Nations peoples and their role in the development of Canada.

Across the road from the apartment in the parliamentary precinct is a major dedication to Canadian women’s achievements with these Women’s Rights statues.

We walked past the Fairmont Hotel, which is situated on the Rideau Canal, to visit the little museum in the canal’s first office and the oldest building in Ottawa, 1827.

 

The Bytown (as Ottawa was originally known) Museum, traces Ottawa’s history with the opening of the canal in 1829, 220 kms with a series locks along it. Hand hewn in 6 years by 6,000 Irish, Scottish and French Canadian workers, 1000 of which died, 500 from malaria. We enjoyed their handiwork today watching pleasure craft ascend and descend the locks. Ottawa became the capital in 1867 with the Federation of the provinces.

Brunch at one of the cafes downstairs

This afternoon we visited the Lansdowne Markets, south of the Glebe area. Modern with an impressive range of fresh and local produce. Richard found some appropriate presents to take back to family when they are on leave.

We then walked up Banks Street, which has a bit of a Newtown (Sydney) feel.

Some impressive houses off Banks Street, which was an area which was established in the 1970s.

Sunset

We’ve really enjoyed our fortnight in Canada and have appreciated having a family base in Ottawa. Tonight we had a meal with some of Richard’s work colleagues.

M&M

AUGUST 2019 : CANADA : DAY 13 : Ottawa

Ottawa

We visited the Byward markets across the road from the apartment. Lots of activity on a sunny, Saturday morning.

Richard and Piers took us to a National Park today on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River, Gatineau Park, about 20 minutes from Ottawa. We stopped at the small village of Chelsea for lunch. 

Clear wide trails, which double from November to February as cross country runs. There are downhill slopes as well, where skiers can come after work in winter as it is so close to the city. Many lakes and hiking trails to choose from.

No bears today but just the prospect made it an exciting walk. Colourful fungi and Canadian geese had to suffice.

We walked around part of Pink Lake, which is a pristine, protected area.

We drove around Meech Lake, where there are many beautiful homes with pontoons, several beaches and lots of activity today as it is Labor Day weekend.

Drinks on the fifth floor with P&R’s friends

After dinner stroll and ‘soft serve’ for all

M&M