I am henceforth going to measure vacations in terms of owls and other borderline mythological creatures

Same. All future life experiences shall be rated on a scale of "fucking waste of time, no owls whatsoever" to "not owls but pretty cool" all the way up to "owls!"

thanks for the input on the car. I know if it's not the right one, most small hatchbacks are fairly cheap. I got the Yaris for free, but what little I've browsed it seems to be a few under 12K which is my cut off point. and I might not need a car for too many more years. I work from home, only drive on the weekends, and am a year shy of 70. The dying battery is something I am familiar with. I had the broken ankle for 9 months that I couldn't drive and had to replace it once I was mobile I will report back. I really appreciate all the input!

I am having a little buyer's remorse because my old car was old enough that it hadn't joined the surveillance state yet. Kind of wish I'd kept my "dumb" car, just in case I need to make a break for it. To, uh... Saskatchewan? I guess it depends what I'm escaping. I love my new car! But it is true that all the carmakers have pretty terrible ratings for data security and privacy.

All future life experiences shall be rated on a scale of "fucking waste of time, no owls whatsoever" to "not owls but pretty cool" all the way up to "owls!"

No owls today, but we did spy a super cute river rodent creature paddling about in the water. Matilda was overcome with the desire to squish it.

Also, we saw a Gigantic Animatronic Crab outside a seafood place, and got to hear the lonesome song of the Sweet Potato Vending truck (which is the Kyoto version of the ice cream man). [Evidence of both may be found on my FB feed: [link]

Today was a big success equal to our Kichijoji outing in Tokyo. We are so insanely centrally located in Kyoto. Everything except the most famous outlying shrines are within walking distance of us.

Nishiki Market was really fun, though it's far from its original incarnation as Japan's Les Halles. It may date back to 1830s, but it's received a tony 21st century update like a more posh Ferry Building. We did not mind a bit and got plenty of novelty admiring the Octopus Pops and Matilda nommed up a Snoopy themed custard Taiyaki.

The foodie paradise of Nishiki blends right into the main shopping district/downtown, and then rolls up against extensive shopping arcades, which split off into innumerable side alleys with restaurants and thrift shops and so it goes.

I was a little worried about keeping myself occupied after Matilda goes off with her host family to Osaka, but it won't be an issue.

After a pit stop back at the Ryokan to get warmer clothing, we headed back out, this time walking down by the river, finding Potocho Road (long narrow road of old architecture with 73 different restaurants along its length). We crossed the river into East Kyoto which has an older, less affluent vibe. Lots of cool old architure. The Gion district is over there and that's where the Geisha take their walk to see clients. (Tourists are now barred because they are assholes.)

I am about to go hit the onsen [public bath hot tub] for the first time! Need to review the extensive etiquette guide.

Later we'll go out to dinner somewhere in the neighborhood. There are literally hundreds of choices within a two mile radius.

Sadly, I am a no-go for public baths in Japan due to tattoos. I'd need to find a private onsen or one that is tattoo friendly.

I am so not in a good headspace right now.

Sadly, I am a no-go for public baths in Japan due to tattoos.

Matilda has a tattoo and it wasn't an issue. Also, you can just buy a special bandaid-patch to cover it up at the corner store. Also, apparently it's not as much of an issue for non-Japanese.

Further research indicates Matilda's cute river critter was a Nutria, which are apparently an invasive species and the entire world has eradication programs to get rid of them to no success. They just breed too damn quickly.

Friends, if anyone needs a getaway we have an empty bedroom between now and May, Cape Cod is lovely if cold in winter, and Massachusetts has a lesbian governor.

Nutria are all over Louisiana. That’s basically the extent of my knowledge.

I got bangs! I was super bored with my hair and decided to take the plunge for the first time in I don’t know, ever? My Facebook break is lingering so no link but maybe I’ll make a special drop by.

I am so not in a good headspace right now.

Same. I didn't sleep very much Monday night, and while I did get a full night's sleep last night, it was full of nightmares.