Oh Deer

Yesterday we went to say hello to the nodding deer in Nara. It was a bit of a tourist trap but still pretty cool. The deer are really tame and eat food right from your hand. Before we got there though Dan decided we should get off two stops early to walk through the old Imperial palace grounds. It sounded like a good idea except it turned out to be an old dusty park thing with not much to see. It was also 41 degrees and Flo and I got very hot, although as Dan keeps reminding me throughout the whole trip- he is indestructible and much tougher than me, so he didn't feel a thing.

It was nice to see a bit of the Japanese countryside though as we got to walk through some arable land, and we also saw some little frogs and a big green cricket too.

We ended up getting back on the train though as Flo and I were about to pass out. Then we got to Nara, and finally got to see some of the deers that we'd heard so much about. They were really nice and super tame. We bought some special deer biscuits and fed them to them.

We also went to see the world's largest bronze Buddha at Tōdai-ji temple which was really cool, the temple itself was awesome (in the original sense of the word), made entirely of wood and HUGE. I didn't take a picture because Dan took millions, he was so excited. Here is some other cool stuff I saw though

Also, Dan bought me this cool pen. Its ears go up and down and it is probably the coolest pen in the world.

Then we climbed up high to another bit near the temple that backed onto the mountains and drank BOSS coffee and watched the sunset. BOSS coffee is little cans of iced coffee that come out of the vending machines, and it is getting us through. I want to bring a crate of it back to the UK. Also, the sunset was very nice, here it is

This morning the neighbours came over again a they wanted to dress up Flo in a traditional kimono. We have seen lots of ladies wearing them while we've been here. and they look so beautiful. We are going to try and get some too, maybe when we are back in Tokyo. Flo looked really sossy

Then everyone started taking loads of pictures and Flo had to just stand there like a supermodel. Haha.

Since we have been in Kyoto we have met some lovely people, it feels as if our stay there would not have been as great if not for our host Rumi. She is an artist and obviously loves bringing people together. Her work is all about the idea of home, and when we arrive a few days ago she said 'Welcome home'. It was such a nice way to be greeted. 

This morning we went into her workshop and looked at the pieces she makes, they are quite special. Little animals that light up and tiny books with wonder tales in them. When Dan asked her how she makes them, Rumi said 'Magic'. She told us she was a witch, and I think probably a good one. Rumi said she is still looking for her home and I think that her hospitality is an important part of her practice. Encouraging connections and providing experiences for people is fundamentally creative, and an art in itself.