We took the bullet train to Kyoto. It was a pretty smooth ride which sometimes was at 180 mph. It had little resemblance to a train on the New York - East Hampton line, which often travels at up to 35 mph.

A view from the window.

When we arrived in Kyoto, our first stop was at the former home and studio of a very famous potter, Kawai Kanjiro.

After giving up pottery he got into carving wood focusing on large stylized hands.

His home was traditionally simple in its design and limited furnishings.

He carved this little guy who greatly resembled "Darth Vader". What do you think?

Back on the bus to a traditional 8 course Japanese lunch.

We cooked some of the food at our table. The beer and saki were also traditional. I am fully supportive of that part of Japanese tradition.

Our next stop was at the Ryoanji Temple. Here fifteen stones are arranged on a bed of gravel, expressing it is said, the mind of Zen Buddhism. The simplicity of the Japanese ideal is well expressed. They say you cannot see all the stones from one place, sort of a metaphor for life. On the lower right Donna is meditating over a model more her size.

Sanju-Sangen-Do Temple where the principal attraction is a display of 1001 life size intricately carved life size statues of the Buddhist deity.

Soon after we arrived at our inn and following a long hot bath, I could tell that my 48 hours of exposure to the Japanese culture were paying off.

Following a 10 course dinner the hostess removed the table and made our bed on the floor.

Our hostess who served our meals and made our bed.

Breakfast consisted of 14 different items.

Donna at work.

This is the front door. When we were leaving so were some dignitaries who had a police escort.

Some of the staff wish us goodbye.

The entrance to Ninomaru Palace which was the home of the Shoguns between 1603 and about 1867.

As with many of the museums in Japan, photographs of the displays inside were forbidden.

The Shogun's gardens were extensive,beautiful and very tranquil.

Then on to an Italian lunch!!!! Say what?

Then back on the bullet train to Hiroshima. There we stopped at the Peace Park and its associated museum. The domed building survived the blast which was detonated about a 1800 feet in the air and nearly directly over it.

Here we all show our Asian influence. Peter in Shogun attire, me in my NY chinese mafia outfit, Donna in a Vietnamese number we picked up two years ago and Richard an Sandra dressed in their British imperialist uniforms. I was told Richard's tie was from "Simpsons" in London. Wow!!!

Peter is practicing for our next stop in China.