There is someting about a familiar face while travelling that makes you feel so at home. What makes it even better is when your familar face is attached to a wonderful friend who not only is fun and exciting to be around.. but attached to a fluent Japanese speaker! Danielle was like a breath of fresh air as she took us on a whirlwind tour of Kyoto. Before even Courtney and I had risen from the dead she had our day planned for us. We rented bikes and rode around the city, taking in the breathtaking temples and pagodas that are renowed in Kyoto. We toured the bamboo forest and rode down philosphy path. We met some Marines and a DOD teacher who I interviewd to find out how I took could become a teacher in a faraway land.. so amazing! we met a boy named Doug who spent about two days with us.. visiting temples and eating more food from a convience store than i ever thought possible. Hey.. it was cheap and some of the best food i had while in Japan.. go figure!
Thank God we had D for the food.. she took us to some very traditional meals including a tea ceremony where you spin the cup three times and drink some green foam. She also took us for this soup that we ate in an enclosed cave like structure. The food was not my favorie but the atmosphere was amazing. Did I mention that they have edamame at every bar.. its like beer nuts.. so naturally I was in heaven!

The best thing about Danielle in Kyoto was our amazing night with the Singing Japanese Boys! We met them at a bar as they casually approached our table and asked if they could kiss us. Of course we obliged (on the cheek)!! We got to talkign and eventually went to a karoke bar with them! it was an experience like no other as you order beers on a phone and sit in a booth and listen to thse boys try to sing American songs.. too funny! We have great pictures which eventually I will figure otu how to post. Ok.. we need to get going but I have to say.. we had a great time in Kyoto. Danielle..thanks for being a great guide.. you look great and seem so ghappy. Your school will be a success and good things will contiue to happen!!