Ok BIO(Blonde in Osaka) fans, here is what progressed in Kyoto.
For two days I and my counterpart discovered Kyoto.
We checked into our capsule hotel. I had been there previously and had so much fun that I told my friend that she had to experience it.
After locking our overnight bags in our designated cubby we headed to Kyoto station. Wile walking to the train that would take us to the Fushimi Inari shrine we were warmly accosted by one of the locals. An old Japanese man with a missing tooth proudly declared "Welcome to Japan" and then walked up and kissed my friend and I on both cheeks.
I must admit this was a shocker! Since coming to Japan it has been difficult to get a hand shake or hug out of any or the residence and for a local to come up and KISS us was the last thing either one of us expected.
Apparently the Old man was a little hard of hearing and thought that my friend said Austria when she actually said she was from Australia. This lead to a ten minute description of the mans days living in Austria. He was very interesting and frankly I liked him.
It's those wonderful surprises that remind me why traveling is so exciting.
After a quick train ride we arrived at the shrine. The Inari shrine is famous world wide for its thousand Tori gates. Thousands of bright orange and red pillars line a stone path which travels through a cool dense forest and up and down mountains. Throughout the hike there were many smaller shrines hidden away to explore. We stopped at a quaint wooden restaurant with a view of the forest for some shaved ice.
It was there that we picked up a stray Canadian named Justin. He was traveling through Japan after finishing his year long teaching contract in Korea. To be honest, this was a mistake. Justin was a real grumpy-gus and couldn't stop talking to take a breath. It kind of spoiled the quiet nature-filled atmosphere. We were able to shut him up for a good ten minutes though and enjoyed the sounds of the forest.
Word from the wise to the novice traveler, meeting new people is one of the best parts of exploration but, you must be willing to be patient with the annoying ones you come by.
Overall the hike was invigorating. It took us about three and a half hours and 27 bug bites but it was worth it.
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