Andy and Amanda in America: Kyoto

Whilst Kevin and Christine were here we decided to take a trip to Kyoto together. They went a couple of days ahead of us with us joining them for the weekend.

Kevin and Christine stayed in the very swanky Hotel Granvia (I really don't think they wanted to leave). Andy and I managed to get a package deal so we also stayed in the Granvia but only for one night (we spent the other nights in a traditional sleep on the floor cheap hotel).

It comes with everything you'd expect from an expensive hotel including the Americans!

We wondered around some of the many shrines in Kyoto in the rain! Kevin almost ruined an expensive, new suede jacket on our walks as the BBC website said that Kyoto would be cold but without rain! It couldn't have been more wrong! I had however, passed this information on to Kevin who then in turn decided not to take an anorak! Oops!

They say when Kyoto is cold it's very cold and when it is hot it is very hot (Kyoto is in a valley). We can all confirm they are not wrong about the cold bit!

Andy trying out the complimentary nightwear in the Hotel Granvia. He may well kill me when he sees this picture!

Amanda trying her hand at being Japanese

Kevin trying to avoid getting wet

Shrine no.1 of about 250

Kevin and Christine in a very nice Japanese park (you can't see much of it though)

This is a monument to commemorate all of the foreign soldiers who died in WWII. Inside there are Buddhist monks praying.

Another shrine

A pretty Japanese park

Andy and his parents stayed on for a couple days long than me (I had to go to work). They spent those extra days taking a walk around Kyoto with Johnny Hill Walker. He took them to watch people making fans and other traditional Japanese things. He also took them to see more shrines!