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Bob here again. We're all back, and our ears have mostly cleared, but a significant portion of us arrived sick. It doesn't seem to be too dreadful, but coupled with jet lag, hit us a little harder. After a week on a tatami floor, I was ready for a softer bed.

The people that we came into contact with were wonderful, as they have been on every trip I've taken to Japan.

There was the man who walked us through Kyoto Station to the north exit, with his tiny mother trailing, simply because we looked confused. (We possibly would have made it eventually on our own.)

Susie described our final taxi driver's speech -- it was as heartfelt a thing as I've ever heard.

Mr. Takeda was a most gracious host, as well as making a perfect chicken-and-leek yakitori.

Miki at K's House was good to us, and all of the staff were friendly and helpful. I only forgot to remove my shoes once...

Last, but certainly not least, was Mayumi Morooka, our local guide for several outings. She really did her best for us, finding us transport for eight, showing us some unforgettable places, offering to chauffeur us in her own car, and coming to K's House multiple times with notes and maps. She even gave me a book on Higashi Honganji (from her own library, yet), where I walked every morning for the chanting.

Mayumi, our intrepid, patient, and generous guide

Another good trip. Perhaps everyone didn't see what I did, but I was enchanted -- again.