I guess I didn't realize how behind I had gotten. I have a whole month to make up for....
That Saturday morning, our friends Miho, Kouhei and Akiko picked us up and we went south of the station to pick up our bus. 
It was going to be a 3 hour ride to our first stop, so we had plenty of 
snacks, drinks and entertainment for RJ and Sara.
Our first stop was a mountain side in Nara. Usually this time of the year the plum trees blossoms are in full bloom. However, this year, the winter weather lasted a bit longer than normal, so there were very few ume (plum) the day we visited this famous place for ume viewing.
We thought this look out was beautiful. From left to right:Miho, Mitch, RJ, Sara, Kouhei, Akiko.
One thing we have learned is that whenever there is a festival, that means there will be vendors. 
This vendor was too good to pass up
RJ has figured out that he can ring the bell at the shrines if he stops to clap, bow and pray...does this mean he can convert?
A few more ume blossoms. Thanks for posing RJ!!
After we spent about an hour on the mountain, we went to the Nara Hotel. This a a very famous and old hotel. When I have mentioned to other Japanese friends that we had dinner there, they are very surprised.
RJ was a gentleman at the table.
First course was a sashami salad. Mitch really hasn't grown to love sashami (raw fish) so Kouhei lucked out and got a second serving!!
Second course was soup. We think it was creamed asparagus with tapioca in it. It was good.
The soup bowl did not come to you filled, the wait staff came by and ladled your soup for you.
The menu...it is a French restaurant.
Main dish was a excellent cut of beef with onions and mushrooms atop. Sides were carrots, green beans and mashed potato. OISHI!
Dessert was cake with fresh fruit.
Then you could have coffee or tea.
RJ had tea too!!
We took a few pictures of the Nara Hotel. This was inside by the fireplace.
This was outside the hotel. I am still amazed at how large the old wooden buildings are here...they were built many years ago before large machinery was here.
More of Nara Hotel
Sara was very nervous at first, but she warmed up quickly.
I have since learned that this is the Great Buddha Hall. I liked the reflection in the pond.
More deer "Hi deer" says Sara.
RJ is convinced that this sign says "be careful the deer might bump into you". I think he got "bumped"
Sara going for a ride with daddy!!
Then we made it to the temple. The main attraction was to see the burning at this temple. From March 1st - 14th every night the keepers of this temple will burn 11 sticks. This was the 1st stick being carried to the temple
Here you can see how large the fire is becoming.
Each time the fire stick makes it to the right side of the temple, a new fire stick is brought up. This picture shows the new fire stick (the left side), another one about to appear just to the right of the big tree, and another one at the end of the temple on the right side. I know the picture is blurry. I had Sara crying on my shoulders because RJ was crying on daddy's shoulders. They were convinced that we were all going to get burned. Eventually the both calmed down and enjoyed the show.
When they move the fire stick from the 2nd position to the 3rd position they run and spin it. By the time it reaches its final spot, it is large. 
This shows the ashed that are created while the fire stick is being turned while running across the temple.
more ash as the fire stick burns out.
Ume covered peanuts. They kind of taste like Boston baked beans.
snacks for the ride home!! 
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