Olympus OM-2N | Delta 100
These students are writing wishes either for success in exams or for a potential mate.

Posted on Jun 9, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Olympus OM-2N | Delta 100
Bamboo walking path is actually very popular, Mai just rushed us off the Sagano Romantic Train as quickly as you CAN herd a group of 35 people so we could be there to take photos before anyone else.

Posted on Jun 9, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Canon A630
Atmospheric narrow street where we found the lovely Bar Tanbo (dragonfly sign) in a side alley.

Two women own and run this bar, which already makes it pretty special. But they also take such care with the drinks that $8 seems like a bargain for a vodka tonic. The bartender formed the ice cubes with an pick, even rinsing off excess ice flakes to make sure they were the perfect size and shape. She then squeezed lime (my choice) into the glass and added perhaps a shot and a half of vodka pulled from the freezer (or gin for my brother, in this pic). She stirred it together, mixing the flavor smoothly before finally adding tonic. Amazing to find a good mixed drink in Asia.

Posted on Jun 9, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Canon A630
Great flavor, but it wasn't like typical mochi. Distinct rice texture, not the trademark gooey smoothness. Not sure if that was intentional or not.

Posted on Jun 9, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Olympus OM-2N | Tri-X 400
The paparazzi awaits...

Posted on Jun 9, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Olympus OM-2N | Tri-X 400
Waited a long time after Mametomi and had finally given up on seeing more geishas. These two entered just as I was leaving Gion. The one without makeup is a senior geiko (geisha in Kyoto dialect) named Mamehiro. I've since learned that geikos wear less makeup and accessories as they being more skilled.

Posted on Jun 9, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Canon A630
This was perhaps the most exciting moment of the trip. After skulking around with the other hopeful geisha paparazzi for a while and deciding the whole business of following geishas for a souvenir photo was distasteful, finally spotting one totally changed my mind! Instantly charged me for more stalking. This super-tiny specimen is named Mametomi, and she certain wasn't in the mood to stop and pose for pictures.

Posted on Jun 9, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Canon A630
This was perhaps the most exciting moment of the trip. After skulking around with the other hopeful geisha paparazzi for a while and deciding the whole business of following geishas for a souvenir photo was distasteful, finally spotting one totally changed my mind! Instantly charged me for more stalking. This super-tiny specimen is named Mametomi.

Posted on Jun 9, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Olympus OM-2N | Tri-X 400
Supposedly "The Last Samurai" was filmed at Chion-in...I didn't see it so I don't know.

Posted on Jun 9, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Canon A630
Tofu Ryori, a fine cuisine meant to eaten first with the eyes, then with the nose, then with the mouth.

Posted on Jun 9, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Olympus OM-10 | Plus-X
One of the many sacred deer populating Todai-ji.

Posted on Jun 8, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Olympus OM-10 | Plus-X
The hole in this pillar is supposedly the size of one of the big Buddha's (Daibutsu) nostrils. Those who can pass through it will achieve enlightenment. Easy for kids, but these teens were struggling...I wonder if any fully-grown adults have ever gotten stuck!

Posted on Jun 8, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Olympus OM-10 | Plus-X
Daibustu (on left) - the big Buddha.

Posted on Jun 8, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Olympus OM-10 | Plus-X
A couple burns incense.

Posted on Jun 8, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Olympus OM-10 | Plus-X
The main gate (temple shows through the openings).

Posted on Jun 8, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)