We were very much entertained by these young women at the Family Mart who were busy getting ready for a day in Kyoto. We are in awe of the ability of Japanese people to wear layers of clothing on days as hot and humid as today. They seemed very pleased that Barry asked to take their photo.
Congestion overload. In trying to make a tricky turn with 3 forks in the road, I chose the wrong road. We finally connected with each other thanks to being able to communicate with our Cena helmets.
Tunnels are a necessary thing when in a mountainous country. Barry has never liked tunnels but we both appreciate being able to go through instead of going over a mountain.
We were happy to find this excellent large bike shop in a small town on our route today. One floor was devoted to touring bikes and mountain bikes, and the main floor catered more to families.
Keith AdamsStylistically at least, that bike's a throwback to the early 1900s. Paint it olive drab and it could have been an Army bike. Reply to this comment 10 months ago
Our route to Lake Biwa is getting more complicated. There are two roads that follow the same route and one of the is an E road. That means Express, there are tolls and one should never cycle there. The access for both roads is the same, you just have to make sure that you get it right. Our road is very busy and we had to take to the sidewalk.
It got very interesting as we got closer to Otsu. We met some cyclists and the sIdewalk is too narrow for 2 bikes to pass. I helped this elderly gentleman by lifting his bike. He was so appreciative.
We arrived in Otsu safe and sound. The route is complicated by old and new infrastructure which, but it worked out in the end. We are staying at Koke Musu Inn which is in a lovely location on the lake. They treated us to a delicious coffee and we took advantage of,the pool table which watching some sumo wrestling.
The owner is a man of many talents and is very creative. He is an architect, creates complex dioramas and has transformed their home into a magical place.
Their passions and interests are incorporated in the design…Walking Dead fans, Paintball, enthusiasts, cooking, playing pool and moss plantings on the wall which serve as homes for fish. It is hard to describe…just come and stay. You will be amazed.
Our room was tiny at 14 sq metres, but much use of the height of the room helped. For sleeping, we had a bunk bed up high and a tatami mat for the other, a wee kitchen and a small but functional bathroom.
