Thank You!!!

Although we’ve been writing and posting pictures to tell you all about our experience there is one thing we could never begin to explain–our most sincere appreciation to Christina and Mr. and Mrs. Katsuse for establishing the worthwhile program and for ouropportunity to participate as CKSAP Ambassadors.  The Katsuse family have seen to every detail necessary to create an environment that I’m sure will nurture leadership in the participants.  The leadership qualities that we viewed in the world leaders that we were exposed to are also the same habits and traits that Christina and her parents possess.  Elena, Julian and I are so thankful for your generosity and hospitality as we proudly served as CKSAP Ambassadors!  Arigato Gozaimasu!

Buddha, Buddha!!!!!!!!!!!

While at the temple we stopped by to visit the buddha for good health.  The buddha was in a small area to the side of the big temple.  Inside the area was another hand washing area and a smoking pot.  As you can see, Julian and I “struck a pose” with buddha. He was very buddha-ish!

Imperial Palace

On Friday, I ventured off in search of the Emperor’s Palace.  Just a few train stops away from our hotel in Shinagawa, is the Royal Imperial Palace, home of the Emperor of Japan.  The Palace is built on the site of Edo Castle, home of the last Shogun of Japan.  Shogun was the title of the military rulers of Japan from 1192 to 1868.  The palace and its gardens are surrounded by moats and stone walls.  From the picture you can see the palace and Nijubashi, two bridges that form an entrance to the inner palace grounds. The stone bridge in front is called Meganebashi (Eyeglass Bridge) for its looks.  I knocked on the door but no one answered!!  It seems the palace grounds are only open on two days of the year–January 2 (New Year’s Greeting) and December 23 (Emperor’s Birthday).