Another crisp cool day in Kyoto. Our day started with some excellent coffee at a joint around the corner called Toru. We walked into some 60’s post-bop playing on a reel to reel and the sweet smells of freshly brewed cups.

After proper caffeination, we all went to the most lovely traditional Japanese breakfast a few doors down. Hamachi, tai, rice, tea, pickled vegetables and the trimmings. Wish I had a picture. It was actually worth a picture.

We ventured to the Ginkakujicho or Silver Temple, an awe inspiring place, full of natural beauty. Buildings and their surroundings so stunningly in harmony with one another is a sight to see. It is impossible to capture it with a pic. We also walked the “Philosopher’s Path”, a mile-ish long walk that leads to several other temples. It is lined with cherry trees that when in bloom must be incredible.

Next we headed to Nishiki Market, and then on to a local public bath. Here’s the drill. Dudes on one side, ladies on the other. You “rent” a towel. They call it a towel, and it is, but they should say “dishtowel” because let’s be frank, that’s what it is. You hit the locker room, grab a basket to put your clothes and wares in, and head for the main room. You are expected to give yourself a serious pre-soak bath while sitting on a 1st grader’s sized stool. Besides being maybe not the most flexible guy in the place, I managed to plop down and start my cleansing. Based on how vigorously the elderly Japanese gents around me were scrubbing, soaping, brushing, soaping, scrubbing, brushing their teeth and places near and far, I was shocked they were not bleeding. They didn’t tell us that everyone also is responsible for bringing their own shampoos and soap and stuff, so Atticus and I borrowed/stole some that was sitting there and at least made the attempt to look like we were going all Silkwood. I hopped into a tub that was no joke about 120 degrees. After five minutes of settling into that I stuck my hand into the next tub which to my surprise had electrical current running through it. I always thought that water and electricity were not two great tastes that go great together, but apparently the Japanese are on to some next level stuff. And truthfully, they live longer here on average than anyplace on the planet so what do I know. I skipped that one the rest of the day, but Hazel and Megan didn’t test it out prior and went whole hog up to their necks. Shocker. Literally.

After we sort of figured it out it was completely relaxing and fun. Very similar to a Russian-style bath like Banya but about a hundred times cleaner. Different temp pools from the burner to cold, sauna, cool down room, etc. I would do it again in a heartbeat, but next time I’d bring my own Dr. Brommer’s and toothbrush.

We dropped our stuff and went straight to a ramen place down the street that came highly recommended. It did not disappoint. You order on a kiosk/vending machine that takes your money and spits out a ticket with your order. One of the two guys working there takes your ticket and then seats you when a spot at the counter is available. The place only seats 10. You get a bowl of ramen, and a bowl of the most delicious thick broth to dip your noodles into and slurp up. When your noodles are done, but you still have a bit of the dipping goodness left, you pour kelp broth into your bowl and it makes another bit of delicious broth to finish it all off. It’s no wonder our friends scoff at Mr. Ramen in Seattle. I have seen the light.

Tomorrow we are going to start with some coffee and see where our noses lead us. We leave for Shanghai tomorrow night and will be in China 3 days from now.