Kyoto is fun!

We're enjoying ourselves in Kyoto! How could you not, when the Kobe Beef is so good?! Ian's been to Tepanyaki style dinner twice this week, and now has had a taste of the famous Kobe Beef. Wow, it's good here!

Ian has also been to Nijo Castle in central Kyoto, a 400 yeard-old Shogun castle in fabulous condition, a national heritage site and with beautiful and nearly perfect gardens. Today Ian visited the 'Golden Pavilion' or Rokuon-Ji Temple as it is known locally. It is made of pure gold and looks stunning in the sunlight.

Ian is currently into fire engines (and 'Fireman Sam' for those of you who know this lovable TV character!) so what better treat for Ian was there than the kind Firemen of the Kyoto Fire Department who let Ian sit in their fire tenders and wear their firman's hat?! Ian loved every minute of it.

"We're turning Japanese, we think we're turning Japanese ... "

We have escaped the disruption and political protests in Bangkok this week by taking a vaction to Japan. We arrived last Saturday and spent a few days in Tokyo where Ian got to visit the Meiji Temple and witness a traditional Japanese wedding. Ian then went to see the Sumo wrestling at the National Stadium and spent some time downtown in the beautiful spring sunshine. Ian then spent the day with Mickey Mouse and freinds at Tokyo's Disneyland and enjoyed a lot of time in Toon Twon with all his favorite Disney pals. Dad managed to visit to famous Tsukiji Fish Market but did so at 4 a.m - as you can imagine, Mom and Ian decided to stay sleeping! We then rode first class on the bullet train to Kyoto yesterday, which is where we are now for the remainder of our vacation. More photos to follow!