The group was excited about our first day of cultural sightseeing, and shopping without the regularly scheduled meetings and seminars. We left our hotel in Kyoto only to meet oppressive humidity and near record temperatures. This didn't damper our spirits as we fearlessly marched forward.

The morning found us visiting Nijo Castle, home to Shoguns and the sight in which Emperor Meiji was took power in 1868. Next we particularly delighted in a visit to the marvelous Golden Pavilion. This was followed by another sumptuous lunch of traditional and authentic Japanese cuisine.

After lunch, we were taught some aspects of the Japanese tea ceremony and then stormed the Kyoto Handicraft Store to lighten our wallets. Before the bullet train to Nagoya, we climbed a short mountain to visit the Kiyomizu temple.

This is Lance Rhodes, on assignment from Japan.