Pam :  Today we become geishas or maikos (apprentice geishas).

I had to put that in bold letters because of the incongruity of the concept (“incongruity” is for those of you who are studying vocab. for the SAT – heheheheh)  We have an appointment in Gion – the “geisha” region of Kyoto – at a “makeover” studio where we will don the makeup and authentic costumes of a geisha or apprentice geisha (maiko).  I have to point out that I have never, ever had a makeover of any kind – I guess I like myself as the plain sort that I am!  This should be interesting.  The studio allows us to bring in our own cameras, so we’ll have photos to upload after the experience and put here on the blog.  Our appointment is at 10 am and the Chiyas will be there at 11.  We’ll be taking the city bus, so we’ll probably use the bus throughout the rest of the day and visit a couple of other places too. 

Debbie commented that the kimonos in the Isetan department store were $5000 – yup, that’s right – $5000!  They must have very special little silkworms who work on contract . . .  We may try to find a more affordable yukata (summer kimono) option for Candace today.

That’s it for now from me.