Saturday, November 10, 2012

Seoul, Korea

It took a long time for me to post my Kyoto photos. I blame the fact that 2 days after Kyoto, I was off to Seoul, Korea with the ladies. 


The airport had a Fujiya! I didn't find out until after I had lunch, so no cake for me.


By the time we arrived in Korea, took the bus to our guest house, and dropped off our bags, it was 11PM. Dinner was at a hole in the wall a couple of blocks away. The food was good and inexpensive. I was too tired to remember to bring my camera with me, so no photos of the restaurant and food.

Back at the guesthouse, the ladies split up into the 4 rooms and got ready for bed. Bedding was futon mats on the floor. The floors were heated so the rooms were nice and toasty.


The hostess provided us with breakfast every day. We ate traditional style - on the floor at the short tables.


The house's pottery collection.


Yes, Korea also likes cute. The refrigerator had bling.



The ladies eating breakfast:  miso soup, rice, various pickles and vegetables, and sea weed.



The garden of the guesthouse.



The guesthouse. We are on our way to our first adventure.


Look! A mountain!



We walked a couple of blocks to the subway station. This is a fantastic station. Nifty artwork every where.




Where are we going?

To the Korean Folk Village, Traditional Cultural Theme Park.






Even the Convenience Store has been prettied up.

























































Now, that is a leaf!

You get the jist...

For the evening, we shopped at the night market, where deals abounded.




Stay tuned for Seoul, Korea - Part 2

Friday, November 9, 2012

Kyoto - Day 4

Our last day in Kyoto it rained. In fact, it poured. So poor Barbara stayed in the back pack and did not get to see the Imperial Palace. We did, though.

Click on images to see them larger.


Our tour guide telling us about the palace, before we go back out into the rain.


Pretty painted screens.







Though this gate, we could glimpse, but not enter, the main courtyard and palace building.


The main gate for the Emperor to use.





A beautiful garden.





The tour was worthwhile  but it was hard to consistently hear the tour guide through the sound of the rain and people talking.

After the tour, we had lunch, gathered our luggage, and waited for the train. It was a fun and educational trip.

Note: If you are interested in visiting the Imperial Palace, go the the Imperial Household Agency to book a tour in English.

Monday, November 5, 2012

Kyoto - Day 3: part 2

On the way to Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion).


Bunny!


Dave in the Ninja Hedge Maze.



Awesome sand/rock garden at the Silver Pavilion.




The bus ride back to the station/hotel was hysterical. We were bouncing all over the place and packed to the  gills.


Dave at the mall.


Me at the mall.


Stay tuned for Kyoto - Day 4.