November 6, 2004 - Kyoto Bicycle Tour
	Life in Japan is quite good. While I am missing working in landscape architecture, I am just blown away by the gardens and the history around here. Tim and I cycled around Kyoto with some of his lab-mates. Kyoto is about a 1-hour train ride from our house.
	I loved strolling through the temples and ancient residences, feeling my feet slide over wood that has been smoothed by feet that passed 500 years ago. It makes me feel connected. While the Japanese have an affinity for grooming the heck out of their plants and gardens, they certainly do love these places. Their craft and care in both horticulture and design really show through in the ancient temple grounds. Of all the places we visited in Kyoto, my favorite area was the countryside just outside of town. The entire area was covered in vegetable gardens and tree farms. The locals were out in the fields, tending the rice or the wild ginger, etc. This place was nestled up against the hills that ring the valley where Kyoto lies. Herons and cranes flew overhead, bees buzzed, and I could smell the incense in the air. If I belong anywhere, it is here. I felt like I could stay there forever... amongst the plants, the people, the burning fields, the bicycles and incense, the ancient graveyards, the hard work and the beauty. I just loved it.
	The maples are beginning to turn red everywhere. Each train station posts the current state of the maples. They update it daily, so you can just show up, check the chart, and board the train that is headed in the direction of the most spectacular colors. As with all Japanese rituals, the entire population is watching these charts. So, when you arrive, there are hordes of folks out to see the sights. We joined them in eating seasonal favorites at roadside stands: chestnut treats, hot roasted sweet potato, green-tea ice cream, red bean mochi sweets, and fresh persimmon. Our friends also packed a lunch for the entire group that included hand-made rice cakes filled with salmon and konbu seaweed. We cycled up through huge stands of timber bamboo and had lunch at a picnic area that was perched on top of giant ancient burial ground. I really like the idea of living with past people. We all share these places. People here stop at the tiniest little roadside worship places (we're talking 3'x3'x4') to pay their respects to their gods and their heritage.

November 6, 2004 - Rokuon-Ji Temple (The Golden Pavilion)

November 6, 2004 - Ninna-Ji (Old Imperial Palace of Omuro)

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