it’s done!

In case you thought Dianne Vapnek was totally dithering around since covid hit, I’m here to tell you that’s only partially correct. Well, mostly correct.  The one redeeming activity I can share with you is that I’ve been writing. Periodically.   I’ve enjoyed it too.  Ok, perhaps I’ve been too sedentary, no argument there.  But I just might have helped some number of people have a more meaningful journey when they travel to Kyoto, Japan.

poodle cuteness

After spending too much time, let’s just say a few months, attempting to decide the best format for a Kyoto travel guide I intended to write, I did write it and I finally decided it was a wrap.  Everything I thought I could do easily proved to be far more complicated than I’d been led to believe.  This meant revising my plans several times, as I went back and forth between one plan and another.  I also vacillated on titles for my masterpiece.  Finally decided on Lovekyoto.

sanzen in temple garden, Ohara

An E book publication was my original idea.  Whoa.  I’d need computer skills that are far more serious than mine to do that .  I followed that yellow brick road for a while, thinking I’d learn some new skills, only to finally throw up my hands in frustration and despair, once I was able to acknowledge I was way in over my head.

reflections in a garden pond, Kyoto

“Do the easiest thing, “counseled my academic daughter. Wise.  I went back to  creating a pdf file, and completed the text, for the most part.  Now it sits on my desktop just waiting for someone’s request.  Now that no one is traveling anymore.

The idea for this book arose out of the fact that I’d received many inquiries about how to structure a few days in Kyoto.  Figuring out what to include and what to leave out for any travel adventure to a new destination is a complicated endeavor.  After responding to several requests, I saw that there might be a need for an alternative kind of guide to Kyoto, other than those that currently exist.

just another perfect water lily.

There’s tons of stuff out there now.  All fairly traditional.  All fine, but mostly boilerplate.  The guides contain information overload for most travelers.

Kyo-maki tea cup celebrating sakura.

I decided to write something that was more personal. The guide represents what I like to do when in Kyoto.   Just in the few years we’ve been visiting, the tourist numbers in Kyoto visitors have exploded. Not for the better.  I believe there are many fine alternatives to the traditional tourist suggestions that will lead the newbie towards a more enjoyable trip.  There are a great many alternative options to investigate rather than just the oldie goldies.  It’s not difficult to get away from the crowds and the selfies if you want to, but some guidance is needed.

am not sure of this one! It might be in Koyasan.

summertime parfaits!

Kyoto is a fascinating city.  But not all of it.  I stay away from attempting an in depth guide to restaurants and hotels.  I leave that to others. My hope is that if you are traveling to Kyoto, you’ll ask me for the guide.  Just email me, and I’ll send the link. Free! It will always be somewhat of a work-in-progress.  That will keep it timely and give me the flexibility to add or subtract items. I can’t wait to get back there for more investigation.