Leaving Higashiyama Machiya and Kyoto

"Monkey Reaching for the Moon" by Hasegawa Tohaku

Garden at Kochi-in Temple

Win with Junko and Ritsuko on the Philosopher'sPath

15 April 2012

Just after Adam, Diana and Ella left our little rental machiya, named "Cotoriya" (meaning - appropriately - small bird's nest), Junko and Ritsuko came for a visit.  It was a perfect afternoon, so we went to visit Konchi-in Temple, a subtemple of Nanzen-ji.  In the afternoon light, the gardens and ponds were peaceful and very beautiful.  There is a rock garden with a turtle and a crane in the background.  We also had a chance to view the special treasures of the temple including the "eight window tea house" and a number of great wall paintings.  The picture above was our favorite: the famous monkey reaching for the reflection of the moon.  Then we took a last walk along the Philosopher's Path, admiring the trees and the falling petals.  Later Junko taught us the words to "Sakura, Sakura,"   Sad to say goodbye to them this morning.  We leave tomorrow for home. 

Haiku by Basho

The old pond-
a frog jumps in,
The sound of water.

We  jumped into a very ancient pond, and we hope we will carry home lasting music.

Love and see you soon-