I liked Kyoto a lot, lots of interesting shrines all over. hired a cycle for day and a half, nice to get around the place without getting too tired, can cycle on the pavements too. The cycle is an upright one which i wouldnt normally get and power assisted.

Visited Kiyomitzu Temple which is set in this amazing location, in the right season you have cherry trees in blossom creating beautiful scenery.

I walk straight from one Love stone to another at the amazement of two girls who are supposed to guide me in case I go completely off track, this apparantly means I will find my true love! any help would be appreciated.

Zugo Bustatsu - in part of the temple you do a walk through a pitch black passage while holding onto large beads strung onto a rope, it is a good idea to run your hand a little ahead of your body so as not to bump into walls! I had expected staircases going down or something but it was just a windy corridor eventually coming to this lit piece of rock with symbols. the idea is rebirth and this walk is your passage through your mother, arriving as a pure being. interesting experience.

Returned to the cycle shop along this path by a stream, had a chat with the cycle shop owner who is attempting to speak English, it is raining outside and I try to explain the term "nice weather for the ducks" to him.

I am very touched by the hospitality and politeness of people I have met. In a coffee shop there is continous welcome and goodbye expressions as a chorus from all the staff to the customers. at one point I notice this young waiter bending his knees so he is not so tall next to this older lady asking for a table! There is also cloth lined basket by each table for placing your personal items.

There are also areas with lots of girlie clubs. in some internet cafes you can hire the room overnight, 10 p.m to 10 a.m for about 1500 Yen which is very good for cheap overnight stay, there is no bed but a good recliner leather seat.