May 24th, 2004 DEPARTURE FROM KANSAS
Beau and Liz stretching before our flight across the Pacific.	“The reality of this trip finally hit me in San Francisco as I was about to leave the United States for the first time. More than anything else I seem plagued by questions: How will I react to cultural difference? Will I be able to accept my own shortcomings with the Japanese language or will the language barrier cloud my experience? But my excitement grows as we jet over the Pacific” –Beau

May 26th, 2004 KYOTO
"In the morning we went to the Heian Temple. The garden was tremendous. We learned about some of the techniques that the garden artists use, which were very exciting." -Mark	The group in the Heian Temple Garden in Kyoto Lunch at Inai Kaiseki Restaurant in Kyoto

May 27th, 2004 KYOTO
Group picture at Eikando Temple in Kyoto View from Junsei, a tofu restaurant in Kyoto	"We started off our third day in Japan by walking along the philosopher's path¡­The contrast between the modern and the traditional seems directly evident after our trip. When walking under the Tori gate, you are really transported to a different world. The crowded streets and busy atmosphere are replaced by an amazing sense of serenity." -Boyce

May 28th, 2004 KYOTO, TOFUKUJI TEMPLE
"After the meditation we went back to where Fukushimi Roshi was to eat a special Buddhist vegetarian dinner. The lecture was interesting and surprisingly hilarious. I especially enjoyed the Roshi's long explanation of his love for United Airlines after Liz's question." -Cecilia	Everyone on the bikes we used frequently for transportation around Kyoto. Fukushimi Roshi at TofukujiTemple

May 29th, 2004 DAY TRIP TO OSAKA
Discussion with Aileen Smith from Green Action Group in Osaka Isshinj temple foster kids and our group participating in Beau's creative movement activity in Osaska Cecilia, Misa, Beau, and Tori with our udon noodles at Mimiu in Osaka.	"Observation #1: Boyce and Greyson can hold three to four kids each. Observation #2: Megan's name sounds like eyeglasses in Japanese. Observation #3: I can mend pants in a fix. Observation #4: Most of the kids would be just as happy to have us just sit with them or carry them around. So no matter how boring a game might be (says the girl with the pick up sticks) they still loved us." -Tori

May 30th, 2004 KYOTO
"At 4:00 pm we met with Joseph Justice and he showed us how to make a few simple Japanese dishes. Most seemed fairly simple, however, I am sure I will have to practice many times before I get it right¡­He was very interesting and really funny. After we a chance to eat the food; it tasted so good. He said he would come to America to help Mark and I run our Fu factory." -Greyson	Boyce and Greyson spending their free time in Kyoto at the Golden Pavilion The group and Joseph Justice after a delicious homemade Japanese meal in Kyoto