Zen etc.

Today, I rode around Kyoto. First rule of vacationing: homestay. Or close to it: Ryokan. No carousing the night away, waking up late hungover, worsening things skipping breakfast and fluids. Breakfast at 8? You better be there. If you don't miss the 11pm curfew/lockout.

Anyway, I biked around some, visiting Buddhist, Shinto and Zen places with a free guided tour of the Imperial Palace to boot.

I have to say I am impressed with this whole gardening thing. The ginkaku "shrine" is basically a massive Zen garden. It is kinda aesthetically and spiritually pleasing. I did like the craziness of Tokyo, but Kyoto is doing it for me too.

Now, all I need is Mr. Miyagi, and a bosomy young Hillary Swank...