August 25, 2025

Kyoto - Day 2 Continued - This was a Long & Hot day!!

Japan just published a report that the number of dogs, is now greater than the number of children. They carry and bring their dogs everywhere. And so excited to have them photographed. I was wondering why I have only seen one pregnant woman, in all the time we have been here!

Our next stop was the Silver Temple  or GINKAKUJI TEMPLE  dating back to 1482. Built by Yoshimasa Ashikaga and inspired by his  grandfather's Golden Pavilion. He was building as his retirement villa but he passed away before it was completed in 1490 and at his request, it then became a Temple.

The next stop was Nanzen Ji Temple and Aqueducts. We stopped for a quick bit on the go - picking up water and sandwiches at Seven Eleven and ate while driving here. This is when the heat was just oppressive and we started to lose momentum. Only Bosco & I walked the aqueducts. The others waited in the shade.

Next stop was the Yasaka Pagoda and only I paid the entrance fee to go inside, while Bosco did the grounds surrounding the property the others went for ice cream. I was curious what the inside structure of the pagoda looked like and wanted to see the Buddha statues on the lowest level. You had to climb up narrow ladders to see upper level and you could only go to third level and look out small window.

Our final stop was the show stopper for me. The Fushimi Inari - Taisha Shrine is one of Kyoto's most iconic Shinto shrines, dedicated to Inari, the deity of rice, prosperity and business.Founded in 711 A.D. it is famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates that form tunnels along the trails leading up Mt. Inari. These gates, donated by individuals and businesses, symbolize gratitude and prayers for success. The shrine is anchored by Fox statues, believed to be Inari's messengers.

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND

By Patricia Patrick • March 4, 2026
We had a beautiful sunny day to explore Wellington ! Was a very nice change from the stormy, big swells weather we have had the last two days! Wellington is the Capital city of New Zealand and the CBD is nice and big with lots of shops and museums. We didn't make it to the LOTR studios due to the time crunch but we took the cable car up to the top, for a scenic overlook of the port and then leisurley walk down through the Botantical Gardens, parks and historical cemetary.

ROTORUA CITY HIGHLIGHTS - NEW ZEALAND

By Patricia Patrick • March 3, 2026
Rotorua became a bonus city for us. Our Port stay in Tauranga got cut down to one day, due to NZ biosecurity regulations and since we really wanted to do Hobbiton, we decided to get off the ship and stay in hotels and get back on the ship, in a few days. Due to a variety of factors, the Ship ended up doing a quick pick up of us in Tauranga, three days later. The Kiwi's we encountered along the way, who helped with all our last minute details, were amazingly kind, hospitable and generous. Below is our tired, chilly group huddled at the security shed, outside the Port in the wee hours (1:30 am) Monday morning, awaiting our final hurdle of getting back on our Home. Home sweet home! What an adventure!

ROTORUA, NEW ZEALAND

By Patricia Patrick • March 3, 2026
Rotorua, New Zealand is known for it's geothermal activity ( geysers, mud pools, hot springs) and rich Maori culture . I saw lots of that last time I was here in 2016, so this time I wanted to see their Redwoods in Whakarewarewa Forest. John and Colleen joined me in exploring. Their redwoods are smaller than the ones in Muir Woods California, but still impressive. Both are planted forest dating back to around 1908.