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| Jikoin Zen Temple |
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| Ryosuke-san, Harada-san, W&B, Kuniko-san at Yakushiji Temple |
Sunday, March 24
Warmer day, with sun. We set off with Ryosuke-san to Nara to visit Harada-san and his wife for lunch. We were treated with a great "Spanish" feast of a lunch complete with quiche, fish soup, salad and paella. And then a cheese cake Japanese style. Could barely move. Kuniko-san is a delightful woman, and they have lived in many countries and clearly enjoy entertaining. We then went to one of Nara's less famous temples, Yakushi. It was first built in the 7th century by an emperor to pray for the recovery of his empress from a serious illness. But he died and she acceded to the throne and finished the construction. There is a beautiful Buddha of Healing sculpture in the main hall. An ancient Pagoda survived a great fire, but unfortunately is being renovated at this time and thus under wraps. The Japanese describe it as "Frozen Music" because of its grace...There is a second pagoda, which was recently built as a copy of the original.
We then drove off to a small and peaceful temple devoted to hospitality and entertaining guests with tea ceremony. There are lovely gardens and of course we stopped for macha tea and a sweet. Finally off the station to go back to Kyoto, where we met Akiko-san at the station and went out to dinner at the same restaurant (Gokenshimo at Oike dori and Takakura) as last year, where we were remembered. It was so nice to be with Akiko. She has had such a sad year since a friend's child drowned, but she is still very devoted to her work with children as a school counselor. We hope she will come and visit us some time.
Time goes by quickly. We send love
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