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kiyomizu temple
One of or big stops was Kiyomizudera (Pure Water Temple). What is the meaning of this smoke? "Wave it on yourself and protect yourself from illness" seemed to be the explanation everybody could agree on...
Date: 09/19/2008
Views: 170
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mandatory group shot
In front of Kiyomizudera.
Date: 09/19/2008
Views: 166
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cool clear water
This is what the temple is named after--a 1300 year old spring of "pure water." The explanatory sign in front said that if you prayed while you were drinking it, you would get your wish.
Date: 09/19/2008
Views: 165
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hidden mickeys
Dying of curiosity about what the students really thought, I asked one of the group whether or not she thought the waters really had healing power. She said, "I don't know. But look down there--don't those look like Mickey Mouse!!!"
Date: 09/19/2008
Views: 165
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kiyomizudera 3
Pose! That's downtown Kyoto in the background.
Date: 09/19/2008
Views: 124
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love stone 1
Now this was interesting--the Love Stone, which was the highlight of a Shinto shrine on the grounds of Kiyomizudera (Buddhist) Temple.
Date: 09/19/2008
Views: 152
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love stone 2
The story is that if you walk from this "Love Stone" to another similar stone on the grounds about 10 meters away, BLINDFOLDED (don't worry, your friends can shout directions at you!), then you will find or keep your true love.
Date: 09/19/2008
Views: 158
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love stone 3
To take your good luck with you, the shrine sells these o-mamori (lucky amulets) for about $20. The girl gets the gold, the guy gets the silver...
Date: 09/19/2008
Views: 154
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prayer plaques
These are prayer plaques. People write their wishes on them and hang them at the temple grounds.
Date: 09/19/2008
Views: 163
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3 cool guys
We spent lots of time on buses. These guys are troopers!
Date: 09/19/2008
Views: 137
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