Azns lost in Asia: Return to the womb, Kyoto day 1

While Tokyo brought us rainy, 73 degree weather, it was super sunny in Kyoto. Ballz hot and grody really. It probably could be compared to a womb...fitting since this is where I actually bounced from the womb.

The first thing I did was call my dad...we were after all planning a visit to his alma mater...but he shut that down, suggesting instead Nijo-jo, Sanjiusangentang, and other things that I wrote on a sheet of paper that also had some sights to see recommended the previous night. Unfortunately, shortly after this conversation transpired, that sheet of paper disappeared, into the vortex of the apartment we were staying in...

Kyoto is also unfortunately equipped with a complicated bus system (as opposed to a subway) and also has a million different private rails operating in the outer rings of the city. Which is confusing. And expensive. Mainly confusing when one needs to switch to four different trains to get somewhere. Therefore, one must say goodbye to the comfort, speed, and regularity of the subway and say hello to the BUS.

Our first stop was Nijo-jo:

Nijo-jo is an old imperial palace (the current palace in Kyoto, bigger by far, is closed to the public because it is still in use)

Drunk bird's eye view of Nijo-jo

Moat

Outside (no pics inside)

Wall panels being restored

After Nijo-jo we were super hot and a little tired, so we hit up Kyoto station for some food before heading to Sanjiusangendo. It is a temple with 1001 Konnan (lord of mercy statues) as well as stone statues (with creepy marble eyes) of other deities...

Some Takoyaki first though...