17 April 2009

Today was the most tired I have been since being in Japan. I’m guessing that all of the walking and traveling I am doing, plus all of the school work, is finally catching up to me. After language class, I got lunch with Shae, Trudy, and Zach. I ordered shrimp tempura-don for 750 yen, and it was very delicious. That was the first time I have had non-convenient store tempura since being in Japan, so I’m glad it didn’t disappoint. Studio was the same as every other day, and we planned out our activities for the remaining week we have in Kyoto. After class, most people decided to go to the Kyoto Handicraft Center, and since I was the one who originally found it, I gave directions. Once again, I was on my own, and I had a hard time deciding what I was going to do. I ended up settling on taking the subway to Karasuma Oike to visit another craft gallery. Don had suggested this craft gallery, but upon getting there, I realized it was going to cost me 300 yen. I wasn’t that interested in seeing the art, so I decided to start walking down Karasuma Oike back toward my apartment. Along the way, I stopped at a couple bookstores and anything else that looked interesting. After walking all the way to Kyoto Station, I decided that I would explore the mini mall beneath Kyoto Tower and actually pay to take advantage of the great views from the top of Kyoto Tower. It cost 770 yen to take the elevator to the top, but overall, it was worth it (although I still think it’s way overpriced). It was a clear day, so I could see very far in all directions with the telescope binoculars. I stayed up there for quite some time, especially since I wanted to get my money’s worth! Haha. When I came back down, it was time to head back to my apartment since I had dinner plans.
Earlier in studio, Don had given us directions to the restaurant that serves horse sashimi. Tonight, Jeff and I wanted to try it. Don said he was interested in coming too, so I sent him an email telling him to meet us at 7pm there. Jeff and I took the subway back to Karasuma Oike and met Don for dinner. Six of our other classmates were already there trying the raw horse too. Since the place was a bit pricey, Jeff and I decided to share two items, and we would get cheaper food afterwards. We decided upon horse sashimi (of course) and takoyaki double cheese pizza. They both turned out to be amazingly tasty, and I think that horse sashimi is one of the best things I have had this trip! I will definitely go back there before I leave Kyoto. It was 500 yen for the plate of four pieces, but it was very lean and flavorful. The total cost for our two dishes was a little over 1,000 yen, so we each just paid Don 500 yen.
After dinner, we explored a small renovated internalized outdoor mall across the street. It was pretty quiet, since it was getting late, but it was a nice peaceful atmosphere. Don left to go home afterwards, and Jeff and I decided we would walk back to Kyoto Station rather than pay 210 yen for the subway. Right before getting to Kyoto Station, we stopped at Jeff’s favorite Chinese restaurant since he was craving gyoza. I felt like ramen, so I ordered the regular ramen for 680 yen. Both dishes were again very good. By the time I got home, I was ready for bed. Tomorrow, Don is taking the group to places Trudy and I have already been to, so we will have to decide where we want to go during that time.