Day 7

Woke up startled and disorientated at 6:30am.
Stumbled down to breakfast at 7:00am and hurriedly packed my case for our trip to Kyoto. Wearing P.E. uniform to the station, we were easilt identified, but didn`t make us any less in danger of being swallowed up by the thousands of businessmen going the opposite way.
The shinkansen (bullet train) has to be one of the most comfortable transportation devices ever invented. Everyone is relaxed and looking forward to a new hotel in a new city. It took about two hours to get to Kyoto.
On arrival, we checked into the Dai Ni Tower Hotel (western style ... yay!). At the hotel we were met by Gen and his parents. Gen stayed with the Sokel family and knew Sophie really well. They took us to lunch and it was delicious. After eating lunch we went to visit Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) temple. It was very interesting to see the gold foiled pavilion (we knew it had to be fake).
After leaving the golden pavilion we visited Ryoanji. This is a very famous zen rock garden. It was very relaxing and peaceful.
We went out for dinner again to a very flash restaurant. We all had interesting meals, some had pizza, others had chicken.
Everyone is excited although a little nervous for the day ahead (the day we meet our host family). We can`t believe how quickly the week went by. I have never seen so many attractions or fit so much into one day. Every day was planned out perfectly and even if things didn`t always go according to plan, our group made the most of it.

Elizabeth Caltabiano

Photos to come