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.

PORT DEARAU, FIJI - Naidiri Village

By Patricia Patrick • December 4, 2025
Today we went to see the coastal Naidiri Village that has recently won the Top Prize in global restoration, for their ocean reef project. The reef restoration was borne out of necessity to solve their dwindling food/ main protein source for the village, of fish. It was started by 2 of the villages rugby players and today is run by the local teenagers (mostly boys) in the village. It was great seeing how empowered and proud they were of their amazing efforts.

LAUTOKA, FIJI

By Patricia Patrick • December 1, 2025
The port agent offered several trips to areas around Lautoka . We chose the trip to Serenity Island Resort which included van and boat transfers and lunch. It was a really nice day enjoying the sun, reef, pool, turtles and amenities!

RIVER TUBING DOWN THE NAVUA, SUVA, FIJI

By Patricia Patrick • December 1, 2025
I organized a group tour for a fun day experience. We had a great day despite the rain that decided to join in. We started with a 45 minute van ride out through the city, into the countryside. Then we got in long boats and went up river to a waterfall, some swam or cheered on the guides to cliff dive. Then back in the boats to visit Sabata Village where 50 family members live as a community existing totally off the land, along the river. Next was a quick boat ride to our BBQ lunch spot. After lunch we got to tube down the river, through light rapids, for just about an hour. We ganged our tubes together with the guide - we had a chain of 14 in my group and the guides totally blew us away singing hymns for a good chunk of the journey. It was truly moving in that place with the rain drizzling and all of us linked together. Loved it!