JAPAN TOUR, DAY #8-BACK IN KYOTO
ANOTHER DREAM REALIZED

If you have ever been fascinated by old Japanese culture? Study ukiyo-e, read Shogun, you know if you are into it-ninjas, anything, than this is the dream. This is where we stayed-a Meiji era townhouse, called a Machiya. Back in the day they were called "the dark houses", pretty common lower class houses that had a storefront in the main lobby we entered into, then an office/storage room, and the living quarters of the entire family.

These dark houses were considered tough living and very cold during the Kyoto winters. I would love to see snow in Kyoto. Anyway, these homes were also real fire hazards, made of mostly wood and paper, they no longer fit into a modern world, and since Japan is always reinventing itself, became unnecessary. So, the wrecking ball for the old townhomes, make room for modern construction.

Until recently, people became more outspoken about leveling these places. The idea to restore them was brought up. With regard to the place we are staying at, I believe a British architectural design team led the restoration, along with several others, complete with period furniture, ceramics, screens and artwork, but also modern plumbing, kitchen facilities (primarily for tea ceremony), wireless internet and Western toilets.

Our beloved first lady attended tea ceremony right were we stood on her visit to Kyoto.

The design team did an excellent job restoring this special place. The garden was the kicker. So simple, yet a universe of contemplation. We took our time taking it all in.

One morning, when Marshall got up, upon refection in the garden, he said to Deb, "whatever I do this morning, I'am making more noise than everything around me in this place!".

Here are the pictures. Enjoy!