Segway to Kiyomiza Temple, Kyoto Japan

Next on the list would be the Kiyomizu Temple in the ancient city of Kyoto.

Yes another ancient wonder. The way I see it is that I need to begin at the beginning, appreciate the foundations of ancient civilizations and cultures before moving forward to the more modern and contemporary wonders.

"Kiyomizudera ("Pure Water Temple") is one of the most celebrated temples of Japan. It was founded in 780 and remains associated with the Hosso sect, one of the oldest sects within Japanese Buddhism. In 1994, the temple was added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites."

The magnificence of the Kiyomiza Temple is beyond description. To see it illuminated at night would be an almost spiritual experience. Or to view closely the architectural detail and design finishings would be inspiring to me as an artist an designer.

Plus, I’ve always been fascinated by the simplicity and quite discipline of the East Asian world, particularly Japan. Their social conventions are so different to Western culture. For instance bowing is the customary greeting as opposed to a handshake or close embrace commonly seen in the my culture. When addressing men or women san is used, for example, Nicole-san. So polite and respectful, something long lost in so many other cultures in the name of modernity.

While in Japan I would love to learn the art of The Japanese Tea Ceremony and to find an exquisite Kimono like those described in Memoirs of Geisha by Arthur Golden.