Museum of New Mexico at Milner Plaza

 I didn't have a chance to go inside the museum, but if I had more time I would have visited this museum. I only had time to look around the plaza and have breakfast (which was delicious!), but just from what I saw in the plaza it seems like an interesting museum.

Exciting Times #13

The men who started it all.

Kyoto, Japan: Sanboin at Daigoji

Kyoto, Japan: Bentendo Hall in Daigoji

Bentendo Hall is a must see. In Autumn this area would be very beautiful with the red and yellow leaves, but even without the change of color this area is amazing to see. This was one of my favorite locations at Daigoji.

 There is a "river" that flows in front of these statues. What you do is pour water from this "river" over the heads of the statues.

That explains why they are a greenish blue color.

Kyoto, Japan: A Gate in Daigoji

I wanted to share this photo with you. One, because it is such a common site to see. Ojizo-sama's with a bib wrapped around the statue or a hat covering Ojizo-sama's head. From what I have learned this is to show thanks for protecting a sick child and also he is the one that helps child who pass on before their parents. Two, because when you see one of these statues (which you will if you visit Japan)  you now know why they seem to be dressed as children.

This guy is bowing after he passed through the gate. This is what people are supposed to do before entering and after leaving, but most people don't...unfortunately, I am in the group that doesn't.

I've always wondered what these stickers of names were for. I'm not sure if it is true for all of them, but it seems that these are the names of people who gave donations. I'm assuming big donations, because if everyone got to put a sticker somewhere for donating just a 10 yen coin you probably wouldn't be able to see the wood anymore. 

Kyoto, Japan: The Many Statues in Daigoji

There are many statues around the temple grounds, but I am only showing a few of them to you. If you want to see all of them (which you should) then please try to visit here!

The tree with the red bark is called Akamatsu. I tend to associate them with stories from history...I'm not sure why.

The Lotus flower is such a strong symbol in Buddhism. The idea is that people are like the Lotus flower, we grow in the mud, but with hard work and dedication we can grow out of the dirt and grime. That we, as people, can change from bad to good. 

This statue is of Achala, the destroyer of illusions and will help to give you strength.

The reclining Buddha statue.

Buddha teaching his disciples even on his death bed, even in pain, to help his disciples.

Nagoya, Japan: Higashi Ote Station to Morishita Station

Along this walking course there were a number of very old buildings. This is right in front of the former Nagoya Courthouse.

After a 5 minute walk and crossing a main road I found this residence which is famous for just how OLD it is. They still have the wall surrounding their home which was the style back when this home was built.

Along this walk there are a few museums (I think private museums since they are small). They on average have a 200yen fee to enter the building. Of course, standing outside is free and you are allowed to take photos this way.

A different museum that is famous for it's stained glass windows and very unique building structure.

This was an apartment complex that i just happened to come across. The balconies reminded me of my trip to Barcelona where I visited Antoni Gaudi's architectural masterpieces.

This mark was on the gates of a temple that I'm thinking is meant to be protectors of children.....since I saw an Ojizou-san Statue with 2 kids and the kids were wearing baby clothes that people had placed on them.

The season of the Lotus Flower.