Monkeying Around

Today started way early for Brian and kinda early for the rest of us.  He got up before 5:00 so he could head out to the streets around us to see if there are taxis out that early. We have a 5:45 train to catch on Monday that we cannot miss. He has had a hard time reserving a taxi and found many out and about that early which is good. I must say, I am dreading our 4:45 am luggage drag down the streets of Gion. But I will just keep thinking about Thailand and the good things to come.

Today took us to a few different amazing places. Yes, we walked. I am sitting with my feet up as I type. I always thought I would never be like those older people who have aches and pains. Sorry sucka...it is a real thing. Nevertheless, we are plugging along on our foot journey. 

First stop today.  Monkeys.  We boarded a train and headed to Iwatayama Monkey park on Mt. Arashiyama.  This was a completely new experience.  We hiked up many stairs and dirt paths about a mile to an area overlooking Kyoto and the surrounding areas.  There were monkeys running around all over the place.  We had a few rules to abide by.  Don't look them in the eye.  Don't take any food out in front of them.  Don't crouch down to take a photo.  We paid a few hundred Yen for some cut up bananas to feed them in the monkey room.  The girls loved feeding them. It was really pretty cool.

 

  Once the girls had had enough monkeys, we made our way back down hill and headed for the bamboo forest in Arashiyama.  This adventure was had with some tears because the girls were ready for lunch.  We whipped out the tiny Japanese candies and bought a few minutes of peace.  The bamboo grove was really beautiful and so very crowded. 

After a lunch adventure, we headed to one more stop for the day.  Kinkaku-ji is an amazing gold temple.  I read that it's one of the most popular buildings in Japan.  After seeing the crowd, I believe it.  It was really pretty.  Sadly by this time in the day, Mack was done.  It's weird to look at such beautiful, sacred places while hearing your child tell you it sucks.  But, she hung on and made it to the ice cold juice from the very popular vending machine at the end of the walk.

Our day ended with a walk through Gion and a stop at the local grocery store for some food for dinner at home.  It was nice to just eat at our place (and sit down).  Tomorrow we have some local adventures waiting. Ja ne!