Snow and Zen in Kyoto

After a day where we almost had spring, the next day turned out gray and full of snow. I met with the two Americans early, and we decided to go and see the park surrounding the Imperial Palace. The weather kept changing, sometimes sun sometimes snow. and sometimes both..

I had good company, so even if it was a little cold and unconfortable at times, it was still nice just to walk trough the city, discussing all sorts of stuff on the way.

North of the park we went to see a temple, and there I got to see my first Zen garden, it was just as fantastic as I have always imagined it to be - I really would like to spend some time in a Zen-monastery some day.

After the temple we headed in the direction of Philosophers Path, a path close to the mountains that should be very pretty. But before that we really needed to rest our feet, and found a sweet little café where we had some nice tea.

It was a long walk to the path, but it was certainly worth it - a winding path next to a small river with shrines and temples and beautiful sceneries. We visited a second hand kimonostore and I found a wonderful black one to add to my growing collection.

It was again such a nice day, and in the end we said out goodbyes.. the two are going to Tokyo and then back to school in the states - I had to promise to stop by, next time I am in NY.. and I certainly will.