Gingerbread Class

Pics from Gingerbread Houses class.  We used shortbread cookies instead of gingerbread, but the idea is the same.

Potlatch Class

Some pics from a recent class about Potlatch culture.  The kids learned what a Potlatch is and heard a traditional Potlatch tale called "Raven and Crow's Potlatch."  Then, they drew their own ravens in Potlatch style. 

 
 

Ginkakuji

Here's some pics of the Silver Pavilion, or Ginkakuji, in Kyoto.

Map of the grounds

 

The Silver Pavilion

Large rock garden

The pond

  

Shopping street outside the pavilion grounds

Rabbit on display outside of a popular silk knick-knack shop.  There are several of these shops in the city.  They feature very expensive tiny animals in tiny scenes all made of silk. 

Yum-yum! Wagashi!

With an urge to nurture my sweet tooth, I hit the streets of Kyoto on a taste-tasting extravaganza. 



SOME CANDY SHOP DISPLAYS

DISPLAY OF HAND-CRAFTED WHITE BEAN CANDY,

SHAPED TO MIMIC THE NATURE OF THE SEASON

 CLOSE UPS OF WHITE BEAN CANDY.  ALMOST TOO PRETTY TO EAT.

CUTE AND SWEET JELLY CANDIES

 Definately worth going all the way back to Japan just for the candy!

Arashiyama Monkey Park

There is a wild snow monkey (aka: Japanese monkey) preserve in the Arashiyama mountains on the west side of Kyoto.  For only a few dollars, tourists can walk along marked trails through the habitat.  The monkeys can be seen roaming the mountainside and even be enjoyed up close and personal.  They are quite used to and therefore unafraid of humans.  The adult monkeys are about 2 to 2 1/2 feet tall.  The littlest baby I saw was around one foot tall. 

Gion Culture Show

My first night in Kyoto, I was able to catch a show in the famous Gion District.  This is the traditionally center of geisha and teahouses.  The show featured iconically Japanese cultural exhibits. 

Embroidered stage curtain

Tea Ceremony

Ikebana

 

Court dancer

Court musicians



Kyogen play



Meiko: Dance of the Butterfly

Kimono

 

Hostel Haruya in Kyoto

Here's some pics of the hostel I stayed at in Kyoto: Hostel Haruya.  What a great place!  It's a traditional, old Japanese house, complete with futons, tatami mat floors, and sliding paper walls.  It was beautifully furnished and included everything I could have needed: internet, washing machine, books, hapi coats to wear when cold, and a small kitchen.  The host was so nice.  He greeted me with a personalized itinerary and always informed me about the daily weather. 

Haruya is within walking distance of many tourist sites including the Silver Pavilion and the Gion District.  I saved a lot of money by walking.  Also, there is a traditional bath house around the corner which was fun to experience. 

If you are planning a trip to Kyoto, I recommend this hostel and look forward to returning there myself one day. 

Leaving Kyoto with all my new stuff just outside the hostel. 

Bitchin' lamp in the girls' dorm room.

My final night was upgraded to a private room by my generous host. 

Upstairs shared lounge area.

Other side of upstairs shared lounge area. 

Doors to my private room.

 

My room with futon set up.