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?

SHIP SHENANIGANS - CLUE PARTY

By Pat Patrick • September 16, 2026
It's never a dull Sea Day on the Odyssey! We have such creative residents, that are always coming up with new ideas to entertain ourselves and have a good time. This plot was the calculating of Eddie and Michelle - a Game of Clue! The rules were simple - find the party venue at 8:30 pm, come dressed as a character, weapon or room from the game and solve the mystery of who stole the Ship's bell.

TERRACOTTA ARMY - XI'AN, CHINA

By Pat Patrick • September 16, 2026
In March of 1974, some local farmers outside Xi'An, China are digging a well and accidentally hit one of the great archaeological sites in the World! They were paid one day's wages for the find, roughly 4 USD! The Terracotta Army was dubbed the 8th Wonder of the World by France's President in 1980 when he came to visit and wanted to meet the farmers, the oldest was then, 89 years old.

XI'AN, CHINA - WALLED CITY

By Pat Patrick • September 15, 2026
Xi'An, China has been on my must do list , for awhile. The story of the Terracotta Army has fascinated me, since I first heard it. What I didn't know too much about, was the actual City of Xi'An and the walled inner City that remains today. It was built from 1370 to 1378 during the Ming dynasty on top of the older Tang dynasty foundations. There are 9 miles of City walls, they are 39' high, 45' to 50' wide at the top and 55' to 60' at the base. There are four main gate towers and the only draw bridge restored is at the South Gate. There are 98 ramparts, watchtowers, battlements and a wide surrounding moat. It one of the oldest and best preserved fortifications in China .