Women's Club trip to Ishiyama Temple

It was a humid and overcast day as we set out for Ishiyama temple near Lake Biwa. We were lucky in that it didn't rain all day. We visited the temple and grounds, had a nice lunch & did some souvenir shopping.We even got back at a reasonable time. A nice day out.

Fushimi Inari

While the kids were at school and everyone else in Japan had a holiday, the hubby and I went to Kyoto to Fushimi Inari. Its a shrine dedicated to the fox who rules over business and prosperity. Its a trail into the mountainside with hundreds upon hundreds of tori gates, often creating a tunnel. And lots of little shrines along the way. The hike took us about 2 hrs. I've included a photo of a little snack stand we found along the way.

Silver week part 1

New this year in Japan, is silver week. Its similar to Golden week in that, Most workers have 3 days off in a row, Mon-Wed. The kids only had Mon. off though. So here are a few photos from some of our adventures during this time off. The weather has been great. There are 3 photos taken at Universal Studios in Osaka. The other was taken at a Japanese school where all the students appeared to be assembled and practicing waving these colorful flags.

Pig nose

Gil and I were out for a walk and happened on to this pig nose imprint. They must have been trying to get through this door, but it doesn't look like they made it!

Busy Time

So much for keeping current with the blog.... I haven't taken any other pictures, so this is the first. I must remember to carry my camera. Things are in full swing here now. Everyday is filled with some activity whether it be from CHIC, KWC, bookclub, school, work or just life. Last week I attended an event where they were giving out free henna tattoos. Naturally I got one. I forgot to photograph it until today, so its a bit faded, but here it is. The first I tried to take myself in the mirror. It didn't work very well, so I got the boy to take one.

PS... sending all our love and prayers out to Simon!

More summer activities

Just a few photos from other summer activities. Now that it has cooled off, I find it easier to get myself on this computer, so hopefully I will be better at keeping up the blog. The first photo is of some sort of pills I saw in a drug store. It was very expenisive and the pills themselves were not in the boxes. The boxes were empty. I've no idea what the pills could do. Any suggestions? (Please click on the photo and read the fine print. Its a treat) I've also included a photo from the hike we did up the mountain in Suma. The ocean can be seen in the background. Next there is a photo from the beach in Suma. In the photo are the tables where they are fixing hairdos, using rollers, etc.. 2 other photos are from the the Philosopher's Walk in Kyoto.