Kyoto sure is pretty in the springtime – the rivers swell with fresh rainwater and the cherry blossoms open up on the grounds of ancient temples. It’s so pretty that people will come from all over Asia to look at stuff until they’re tired, then walk home and get in my damned way.

(my trusty steed. note cherry blossoms)

I rode my bike to Arashiyama, a nice little tourist district with shops, restaurants and boat rentals. Because it’s Asia, there is also a hill inhabited by monkeys (there are monkeys everywhere in Asia, and for some reason it never gets any less exciting). I envisioned a contemplative lunch under the sakura, admiring the graceful arc of their petals like dozens of generations before me.

Oh hey, look who else is here! It’s everybody in Japan.

Just leave your fireworks at home, alright?

I did not brave the monkey mountain. I am terrified of monkeys.