Well, that happened quickly

Canon EOS 5d Mark III - Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L

28mm - f/10 - 1/2s - ISO 400

I don't know what happened. Everything went by in a blur.

I finished up at work on the 3rd of February and gave myself the entire next week to empty the unit and have it all sorted out in time to leave for Japan.

It worked out but I have no idea how it happened. I know I couldn't have done it that quickly and easily and if I hadn't of had the help from one of my closest mates, Asa. Thanks mate! You really helped us out there.

We worked together delivering stuff for Harvey Norman years ago and the old team work just clicked into gear and we had the apartment emptied in a day.

Then came the cleaning, pest control etc. Somehow that all worked like clockwork and we were out of there one day earlier than we expected to be.

Then we were on a jet plane.

We landed in Japan around 6:30pm at Kansai airport. We got through customs quickly and easily. Then we had some time to wander around and check the place out.

Ryan and I were just checking out the closest Konbini's when we got the message that Shoko and Tahkun had arrived. They were picking us up from the airport and taking us back to their house in Kobe.

Luckily Tahkun has a Toyota Hiace van because even I was surprised at the amount of luggage we were carrying with us.

So here we were, in Kobe, staying with Yuki's sister and her husband.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III - Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0 L

17mm - f/16 - 25s - ISO 50

Shoko and Tahkun helped us out a lot. Giving us a place to stay for a week, while we got our bearings and sorted ourselves out. Having come to Japan with no set idea on where we wanted to go was maybe not the best idea. It is however rather exciting not having a clue as to where we are going to end up.

So I spent the week in Kobe, walking around nearly every day and getting lost nearly every day. It was great fun. Shoko and Tahkun live in a great spot. Everything is so convenient.

Yuki and I finally figured out our next stop. Kyoto.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III - Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0 L

40mm - f/10 - 30s - ISO 50

We arrived in Kyoto on Friday, 24th of February at around 3pm. Yuki found us a really good to spot to stay for a week using www.booking.com. It's in such a good spot and really wasn't that expensive at all.

We went for a walk on Saturday to one of my favorite shops, Hard Off (think Cash Converters if you're an Aussie). We purposely stayed away from the touristy spots as it was the weekend and we thought there'd be big crowds.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III - Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L

34mm - f/8.0 - 1/160th - ISO 400

We decided we were going to have sushi for dinner and found a little spot not far at all from where we are staying. We went in expecting just a normal little sushi train sort of spot.

We couldn't have been more wrong. The place was empty and it was just us, three sushi chefs and the waitress. They prepared amazing food for us all while having a chat and sharing their local knowledge with us. It was such a good experience that I'd highly recommend if you're in Kyoto, give Ookini a visit.

After our experience at the sushi restaurant and hearing the locals say that it won't be that busy in the tourist spots we decided to have a look around at a couple of temples on Sunday.

We checked out the Sanjusangendo Temple and was blown away by the statues and architecture there. Highly recommend checking that out if you're ever in Kyoto.

Then we checked out the Kyoto National Museum just across the road from Sanjusangendo Temple. This too was amazing.

Then we headed along the main road and ended up in front of the

Higashi Hongan-ji Temple so we decided to check that one out too. Again, this was really enjoyable. Kyoto has so many temples and each one of them has a unique feel. It's definitely worth checking them out.

So now, I'm back home and relaxing, trying to figure out where we are going to go tomorrow. I guess only time will tell.

Have fun everyone! I know I will.

Well, That Happened Quickly