So one day I went for a walk...

Today I leave Kyoto.  I have probably stayed longer than should, and certainly longer than necessary, but I have enjoyed my time here and have grown from it. My last few days have been peaceful, quiet and relaxing.  The city is filled with things to see and do, but I haven't felt their draw for a while, so instead I have spent my time enjoying the quiet space here. As when I left Osaka, saying goodbye to Takanori and his Banana Hammock guest house, I will be sad to put behind me Noeli & Maca and the Hanakanzashi.  Leaving the warmth and friendship shown to me by Takanori was much harder than I had expected it to be, and I know this will be very true here as well. These two women have been kind and friendly to me, and I have enjoyed being able to spend time in their company immensely.  It is certainly a big part of why I chose to stay as long as I did. But this journey isn't about sitting still, and I have done enough of that for now. It is time once again...

Tonight is my third night in Kyoto, and I am feeling quiet relaxed here, and the weather continues its decline towards a proper autumn. The narrow street my guest house is on. This ease and relaxation I feel here is certainly in part from simply being in Japan long enough that the stress of everyday things has largely waned. But I also feel a difference in style and tone here that also helps set me at ease. Today, despite a sore foot (a story for another time), I was able to casually wander the streets near my guest house and explore nearby temples and shops. I received my first two-page Goshuin from Hozoji temple. Kyoto is less dense, less crowded and very visually more traditional in style than Osaka. Life here feels just one step slower that it did in Osaka, and I appreciate that subtle difference. My stay here has also been made very welcoming with the discovery of a bustling and happy guest house, which I feel very lucky to have booked. In stark comparison to m...