Golden Pavilion In The Land of the Rising Sun

Tom, of course, wanted to show off his country to me.  So when we had any time off from work...we took short trips to see the rest of the country.

One of those trips was to Kyoto....a most beautiful city...it's very old and contains alot of Japanese early history.  There is a place called the Golden Pavilion, originally built in the year 1397 it has burnt down several times and always has been rebuilt..the last time it burnt was 1950 by a crazy monk.  They rebuilt it and it is covered in real gold foil leaf...it is extremely beautiful and very peaceful to gaze upon.  The setting is just marvelous too, there are wonderful gardens abounding the pavilion which sits on a pretty lake that is filled with large Japanese Koi fish.

One part of the grounds had moss, so green, so lush that it called out to you to lay down on it. (Of course, I didn't) But from that point on everytime I see a little bit of moss I remember walking in that garden.   So tranquil.......

Kyoto was filled with Temples and sites to see...we must of walked miles..at every turn there was something to see.  Even though I was very young I appreciated the beauty of the ancient days...the architecture of the temples and buildings just put me in awe of what man can accomplish when they put their minds to it.

I think back and I just have to laugh......