Category: travel

Thirteen Reasons I’ll be Returning

« | Main | » 05/08/2013 Note:  If this blog looks familiar, it's because I originally wrote it more than three years ago. It still holds true.  Parentheses added for additional thoughts now.  The order of these reasons has no significance! 13 reasons I'll be going back! 1. CIVILITY.  Everyone is NICE !  Customers are always cordially welcomed and … Continue reading Thirteen Reasons I’ll be Returning →

The Cat and the Mouse

I knew we were in for a visual fest when we received an invitation to join our friend Masa to visit a garden at the Daitoku-ji that is only open to the public for a short time in the spring and autumn. It's been a glorious few weeks. A streak of fine weather prolonged sakura … Continue reading The Cat and the Mouse →

Going the Tourist Route (for a few hours)

Today we merged with a few of the thousands of Chinese tourists who come to Kyoto to view the cherry blossoms. There are droves of Chinese tourists who flock here eager to shop and have fun. Young Chinese women dress up in brightly colored garish kimono, taking advantage of dozens of kimono rental businesses that … Continue reading Going the Tourist Route (for a few hours) →

The Kyoto Hospitality Hour

"Come to our apartment for a little sake and chit chat before we go out for dinner," is how our invitation goes.  That said, we have easily pulled together a spontaneous series of Vapnek hospitality hours that we are very happy with.  Our guests seem delighted as well.  It could only happen here. Our more … Continue reading The Kyoto Hospitality Hour →