Furoshiki Wrapping Workshop (風呂敷) at Marumasu Nishimuraya

Furoshiki (風呂敷) is a man-made cloth (can come in any size) either made out of polyester, rayon, or silk. The purpose of furoshiki can vary between styling objects by wrapping around them for example wine bottles or carrying fruits, or covering tissue boxes for home decor. It's all up to the owner. Overall, furoshiki is highly convenient when needed! 風呂敷は便利ですよ！

During the workshop, most of my classmates struggled with the folds and knots but I managed. In West African culture, I am slightly familiar with wrapping styles using Kente cloth.

Sanjo Dori!~ (三条通り)

Good ole' Sanjo Dori! I love this area! Harbors a 24 Fresco food market, Drug Store, Park, an abundance for fresh farmed goods, and boutiques!

About 8 minutes towards the other end of this street reveals hidden family owned ramen shops and other accommodations of RSJP students! 

The locals are very welcoming with the biggest smiles and warmest hearts!

Going to Kinkakuji (金閣寺)

Also referred as the "Gold Pavilion", stand three stories tall, with a pyramid style roof. The original structure of Kinkakuji was destroyed by arson in 1950 then rebuilt in 1955. 

In person, the gold color was so vibrant that I couldn't look directly a it for too long. The sun reflected strongly off the color.

Ritsumeikan University Orientation & Kyoto Museum for World Peace

Still a bit tired from the jet lag of a 17 hour flight, I managed to wake really at sunrise. (No choice with the sun illuminating my whole curtain-less apartment)

My view from my apartment window.

Finally arrived at Ritsumeikan!~

Right after entering, you'll see this amazing piece of art.

(Close-up)

The Kyoto Museum for World Peace had various historic pieces including vivid art imbedded in the walls. Visiting the second floor, displayed a timeline of global conflicts.

Kyoto City Bus

There are two Kyoto City buses I can ride to Ritsumeikan University, #12 & #50. Buses here in Japan have a balanced system, you enter in the rear left siding door. I wish we can have this in NYC, there would be less traffic and swifter travel time when boarders get on the same time as the riders depart.

When you arrive at your destination, you pay by either exact change, bus ticket, or day/monthly pass.

It's a smooth 23 minute ride to campus! (。⌒∇⌒)。

いらっしゃい！

Welcome to my blog! I’m going post my adventures in Japan! Currently settling in my new apartment located at Horikawa Sanjo, near the market street of Sanjo Dori. I still can’t believe I’m here, feels like I am physically living through a vivid dream waiting for my alarm clock to go off. 

Now I have to go unpack and organize everything from my bags. As well as get my school materials together to get ready for classes tomorrow.

じゃあまたね！