A tale of two restaurants

On our second evening in Kyoto we dined at a local ramen restaurant.

Five minutes after we arrived, the seats at the counter were all occupied by men.

My bowl. It was pretty good but the best ramen on the trip was the first spicy version in Hakodate. Its noodles had greater integrity.

Condiments.

The next morning we went to a breakfast place across the street from the ramen joint.

Toast, cold boiled egg, and a salad.

It was run by a little old lady and was so different from the other place.

So neat and tidy. And quiet.

Toast is very thick here. This morning at the station, I had French toast and it was thick as well.

We return to Narita airport today and fly back to Oz tonight. We are ready to go home.

Arashyama Bamboo Grove

The bamboo grove is one of the major sights of Kyoto so I was keen to see it. We took a crowded bus that took the best part of an hour to get there. Interestingly, young people rarely give up their seat to their elders. I was not venerable enough.

A temple beside the bus stop we departed from.

The path was already crowded when we arrived.

One of several graveyards.

A grate.

They are quite thick.

One of several courtyards.

Some small trees.

When there are so many people, it's not as magical as it could be. The path was uphill and my tired legs were complaining. We have done a lot of walking over the past few days.

Still, it's spectacular.

We reached the top and decided to take a back way to the station where we would return on a train.

There were only a few people taking this path and it was delightful.

Some coloured leaves.

Somehow the camera went into fisheye mode.

We eventually reached the station and the trip back took 15 minutes.

I am glad we went but my body needs several days of rest.

Food photos

We are now in Kyoto, and having done battle with the local transport system, it's time to catch up on a market.

But here is the two-fisted drinker in a curry restaurant in Takayama.

Beef and chicken curries. Different but delicious.

Robin got a Bento Box on the train to Kyoto.

Kyoto train station.

We eventually made it to the famous Nishiki Market. It's a covered passageway lined with food shops.

Fake crab sticks.

Robin in the lolly shop.

Lollies.

I have no idea what this is.

Or this.

Strawberries for $8.

Chestnuts.

Ferocious-looking knives.

All very interesting but much of the food is a mystery.