TOYOTA TAXI, KYOTO

acrylic on canvaas and painted wooden frame, 46 x 60 inches

Yes, this is me getting up at 6am! It's a glorious sunny day and we set out just after 8 to explore the Gion area by daylight. It's very quiet as we wander the narrow streets looking altogether different to the way they had last night. we breakfasted in a first floor cafe frequented by young trendy Japanese; interestingly when I asked for green tea they brought two cups, one almost an opaque viridian, sweet; the other the green tea I normally drink. Tuna sandwiches for breakfast though was not our usual fare. Whilst walking up towards some interesting rooftops silhouetted against the sky line through an almost deserted side street, two beautiful geishas colourful in the sunshine, are walking up behind us. When they see me turn with my camera they disappear down a side alley. I pursue them running to overtake and make pleading noises to try and slow them up but the poor girls aren't sympathetic and keep walking, with me running backwards trying to focus the lens. It must seem like rather an intrusion into their secretive lives; I wished I could explain that I'm not a tourist but an artist researching for paintings, would it make a difference?......Friday 22.10.04 - Kyoto

...........We pass a group of Shinto monks making their way to the shrine. This is one of two World Heritage Sites within a mile or so of each other. On the way back down I stop my bike to photograph a group of yellow capped school children who become so excited that they mob me so eager are they to be in the photograph, reducing everyone in the area to laughter. Also see a Shinto bride and groom being pulled along in a rickshaw, the circular shape of her head dress silhouetted against the black of the rickshaw. The driver kindly stops for me to take a photograph........ Monday 25.10.04 - Nara

see Diary entry for October 2004 journey to Japan