Welcome to Kyoto

We decided to breakfast in the hotel with a group of Brazilians from Pernambucco.  Bob went for  the European breakfast , but I had congee and a Japanese smorgasbord of pickles, smoked mackerel, and burdock, cabbage, mushrooms and unknown others.  Bob tried green tea cream on bread but was unimpressed. We both finished with fruit and the light, fresh yoghurt they serve here.

 

 

 

Fuelled up, we headed for the Nishiki Food Market which is a long stretch of food and gift shops, which is my idea of heaven.   I could have eaten something at every shop and bought a lot more.  It was amazing!



Everyone needs a pooch to keep their glasses and letters in!

I might wear this overall when I am doing the housework.

Some skewered squid to nibble on.

Or would you prefer fish?

Some pickled vegetables for a healthy balance

Some fried nuts and little fish to snack on.

A t-shirt with an improbable slogan

Or a very cool jacket!

But it wasn't just the things for sale I liked.  The decor was fascinating too.

 

And in the midst of the commercialism, the Nishiki Tenman-gu Shrine, where people came to pray or have their fortunes told.

 

 

And, a fascinating old cemetary:

 

 

 

We even found  pieces of art dotted here and there, above the shops:

With all that walking, we stopped for coffee and Bob tried this cake.  It was delicious, with a sort of marshmallow middle.

Fortified, we continued exploring and   found  more and more shops and food.  I think Japanese must be the food kings of the universe.

Notice the Jamaican coffee.

 

I even found a cat cafe, where you can go to pet cats if you don't have one of your own!




We explored Daimaru and were blown away with the food department where you can buy all your meals already made up for dinner.  It was packed, and no-one was eating!   We also checked out the clothes, the homewares and the incense.  I want!!!!!!!!!

Then we were really in need of a rest and sustenance so we followed the locals and had gyoza and soup:

We then headed for Pontocho which is a narrow little lane with old buildings and people getting on with their daily life.

And, we were lucky enough to spot some locals in traditional dress:

Our feet are very sore, so we have taken a break, and come home for a rest.