We again “dressed” for breakfast in the traditional Japanese fashion. What a kick … the long robe first, then the wide obi-style sash, then the short jacket. On the feet (for me) the little tabi socks with the split for the toes. Breakfast is a selection of 10 different little items (most are pickled or fishy), the hot pot soup, grilled fish with rolled egg omelet; rice and at the end a little dish with fruit and yogurt. Tea, of course. We needed to have a reservation time for breakfast each day, and each day we had different seating. Today we sat at a little bar, overlooking the beautiful garden and mini-waterfall.  I have also added another photo of the cherry blossoms. The canal across from our hotel is lined with the trees and they have been in full bloom. These are the beautiful white ones. Different species have color from deep pink to white.

After breakfast, a trip to Nishiki Market. The oldest market in Kyoto; now more of a tourist place than a local hangout. Food stall after food stall! Fresh fish, a few souvenir shops and throngs of people. Oy!  Best photo: baby octopus, cooked and stuffed with quail egg! Check it out.

We had a quick bite to eat, bought a couple of items, and headed back to the hotel to meet our driver pickup. The drive to Osaka Kansai Airport  (the international airport) took 90 minutes. After the check in process we have arrived at the airport lounge, and await our flight. The time change is such that it is Monday at 4 p.m. here and we will arrive home Monday at noon! By Tuesday we’ll be back to “normal” until the next trip.

It’s been a great trip, and we thank you for following. Short aside: Howard is a master navigator through crowded venues and airports with his wheelchair. It makes trips like this possible and enjoyable.