Nara

A quiet day with lots of free time turned into a day of exploration where we clocked up 12.3 k!  First we walked through the streets passing the Three story Pagoda to reach Nara Park. The symbol of Nara is the deer ( manhole covers elegantly depict the deer amidst forests) and these creatures are everywhere within the park asking for deer biscuits available from vendors. They can be quite aggressive if denied, even unzipping bags to find the treats and jumping up.




Through the park, becoming increasingly filled with people, is the Todaiji Temple approached through the Nandaimon gate.


This temple contains the Great Buddha and is the largest wooden structure in the world. Inside 



Inside the temple three Buddhas rise nearly to the ceiling and the obvious antiquity of the structure is reflected everywhere. A final visit to another temple saw us released to explore Nara alone.




Offering outside the temple. 

After coffee we set off for Naramachi to explore the old town - narrow streets lined with enticing shops selling art, craft,  souvenirs, food - endless choice. We called in at the Nara Hotel built in1907 and famous for it's old world charm and famous guests - Kings, queens, movie stars - elegant and charming. In a tiny alleyway we ventured into a shop for lunch - delicious - menu illustrated with pictures - just point!  Another find - a shop full of antique materials, tiny dolls and small antiques - we each bought something and came away excited by our purchases - I hope customs lets me bring home the beautiful wooden masks I bought!


The Nara Hotel.

It was very cold now and the streets were full of people - everyone loves to shop but we were ready for more coffee so we finished Vie de France at the station for French pastries and to congratulate ourselves on navigating the byways of Nara and another great day of laughs, sights and fun.




We found a friend!

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