We're back from Nara, we're we spent a couple of days in a traditional Japanese inn (it's called a Ryokan). I was in love with the idea of living life traditional Japanese style. I can safely say that, inspite of the beauty of the Ryokan - it's amazing sliding screens and gardens - that I found the whole thing a bit stifling - like being a bull in a china shop while you try to sleep. My other half - Mr. Bob - was very willing to go along, but we both totally lost control over our last dinner there, which featured curiously edible things of which we know not. Otherwise, Nara is a terrific place - much smaller and more manageable than Kyoto. Nara's chief attraction is Nara Park, which is filled with deer that are supposed to be sacred. We had an absolutely fantastic guide there, (ask me for her info if you're interested in going!) and she told us that the deer in Nara Park (which get fed by every tourist that goes by) live an average of 10 years more than the average deer, simply due to the fact that they only have to sit around, play Mahjonng, and eat biscuits all day. These must be Buddhist deer, as they all seem to bow to you when you hand them a cookie. Bob wanted to bring a Nara deer home with him to play in Central Park, but customs being what they are, I had to be stern with him.
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