JT15- Day 9

Konbanwa again,

I was a bit premature with my Til Tuesday reference. It only being Monday. Not sure how I jumped a day ahead. 
This morning after my obligatory breakfast soba and dipping sauce I headed to the Imperial Palace Agency in the grounds of the Palace because I wanted to see if I could book for a tour of the Sento Imperial Palace which is also in the grounds of the main Imperial Palace that I toured last week. It is a one hour tour , only in Japanese and run twice a day at 11:30 & 1:30. Unfortunately for some reason the Household Agency was closed so I could even find out f there were any slots for any day. 
Disappointed I made the best of it and caught various trains to the Kyoto Handicrafts Centre which I had read was a good source of souvenirs. Best thing was if you spent a certain amount anything you bought was less tax and even more designed to lure in the punter was after you had finished shopping you took your receipts to the Information Desk and the nice lady got you to SLOWLY spin a little barrel and whatever colour ball came out determined your free gift. I got a set of postcards for my white ball. Would love to know if they are all white balls. Don't think I took a pic of the barrel. Very slack. 
I then caught the Kyoto City Bus 203 back to Shijo Station, had a bit of a wander up Karasuma dori as far as Diamaru. Depaato (department stores) are on a whole different level as we know. Even where they have tried to train staff ( like UniQlo ) the attitude is just not there. The way the lowliest counter person in a konbini counts your change makes the transaction special. It is beyond polite. 
Walking back from Kujo station I was really hit with just how freaking hot it is. The waves coming off the new black road surface and the white lines of the pedestrian crossing was ferocious and made your eyes water with the brutality of the heat. 
So I was glad to escape into my aircon'd room and watch the Sumo tournament. 
Sushi again for dinner and it was fab to have a quick chat with Ma. Miss our daily natters. 
Tomorrow will go see Shige san at Vermillion. It was his wife's birthday today. I'll probably also head to Saga Arashiyama and see if I can catch up with Yoichi's mate Bruce who makes the person shaped pencil cases. Will probably first try to go to the Imperial Household Agency and try to book for the Sento Palace tour on Wed or Thurs if poss. 

Til Tuesday ( yay got it right this time),

Lotsalove,

Tim