The few days we spent in Kyoto were amazing, I've never done so much sightseeing in my life. The city is so interesting - a real mesh of modern buildings combined with breathtaking temples around every almost every corner! The main things we saw were: Sausanjendo (don't think I've spelt that right, but haven't got time to check!) which is the longest wooden structure in the world and contains 1001 gold plated statues all depicting Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. Kiyomizu - the temple of clear water, where we drank from a fountain that gives you eternal life and beauty. It also had a pavillion which gives you an amazing panoramic view across the whole city. We also saw 2 geishas on our walk up to the temple & got a brilliant photo of them (with their permission). This was so lucky, because when we went to Gion the next evening, you can only catch fleeting glimpses and everyone is jostling to get a snap of them. Heian Shrine: huge green and orange temples with amazing gardens, with loads of turtles swimming in the lake. Nijo Castle: impressive buildings where the Shoguns used to live, surrounded by 2 sets pf the most enormous moats and walls. We went inside and walked on the wooden 'nightingale' floor, which is joined so it 'sings' when you walk on it, to warn of any intruders. Kinkakuji Temple (shown in the picture) which is gold plated and also had amazing gardens. It shines in the sunshine and its image is fully reflected in the surrounding lake. We saw so much we almost got complacent to the beauty! Although we were quite worried about working out the Japanese train and bus timetables, we managed it & I'm so glad we went! Sorry there are no photos of ours on here yet - we're having real trouble importing them onto the sight. Will keep trying. Good luck to all my teacher friends for the start of term! Will be thinking of you. xx