August 25, 2025

Day 2 in Kyoto, Japan - We decided to do another private van tour to cover a lot of ground in Kyoto.

Our first stop was the Tenryu - Ji Temple ( Temple of the Heavenly Dragon) and grounds.  Built in 1339 and is the head temple of the RInzai Zen Buddhist, which are still active here today. I went into the temple, but no photos were allowed, so in lieu of drawing the CLOUD DRAGON  painted on the ceiling, I found this photo on a sign post.

Next was the towering bamboo grove in Arashiyama where we ran into Jimbo & Anna.

L to R above- Jimbo, Anna, Me, Bosco, Sherrie, Bob & Sarah.

Our Third stop was the Golden Palace or Kinkakuji Temple.  Built in 1397 as a retirement villa for the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. After his death the villa was converted into a Zen Buddhist Temple. The original building a blend of Japanese and Chinese architecture was destroyed in 1950 by arson of a deranged monk and was rebuilt in 1955. The top two floors covered in gold leaf symbolize purity and enlightenment. Maybe I need enlightenment on the dangers of Caterpillars?

COLONIA, YAP STATE, MICRONESIA

By Patricia Patrick • October 16, 2025
Got to love a place that sells shirts saying " Where the heck is Yap? " Colonia ( population 3,100 ) is the Capital and Harbor town of Yap State ( population 11,600 ) one of four states in the Federated States of Micronesia. We are in the Pacific Ocean or Philippine Sea just north of the equator, Papua New Guinea and Australia.

TERNATE, INDONESIA

By Patricia Patrick • October 13, 2025
Ternate, Indonesia, which is both the name of the city and island, and is part of the Maluku Islands in eastern Indonesia. It is a port that sees maybe 3 Cruise ships a year. However, they really made an effort to show us the best of what they can offer. It's mainly a Muslim country, and we knew we had to dress discretely, but we knew little else. We didn't have our typical port talk prior, due to a technical issue with the AV equipment. Ben a fellow resident, organized an island tour, with about 8 stops, for 90 of us residents.

CEBU, PHILIPPINES

By Patricia Patrick • October 10, 2025
Cebu greeted our Ship with a big warm welcome, despite having just been rocked by a major Earthquake, days before our arrival. The Minister of Tourism arrived with a motorcade and she proceeded to chat with the residents and thank us, for all our support.