From New Zealand to Japan

First day: fantastic! Great flight on new Air NZ plane - last time we flew with them we were dripped on by cold water; this time no such hassles. The wings stayed on, miraculously; the food was good; the touch-screen yah de yah entertainment endless and not altogether mindless; and Rosalie slept with The Rabbit ...

Freezing cold in Osaka/Kansai, but this is our all time favourite airport in the world, so we didn't notice the temperature all that much. Hung around sorting out some left luggage, then on the train to Kyoto. Which is our all time favourite city in the world, so that's 2 all time favourite things in one day, which is rather good! Kyoto is full of weird and wonderful things, and has about as many temples and good (and not outrageously expensive) restaurants as there are people. Gorgeous place.

We are staying at an old, wooden ryokan which is way down the end of a tiny little street off the main drag. We have two tatami rooms tucked away on the top floor: futons on the floor, rice-paper window screens, old wooden beams keeping everything together; an outside bath that we'll have heated up tomorrow night ...

The street our ryokan is on

Outside the ryoka

Time to sleep now, though. Late. Sore feet from all the walking. I think we managed to fit in about 7 meals all told today. We only have 5 days here, so no time to waste! To bed, and tomorrow -  the Path of Contemplation, and probably 7 more meals!