Nikko

Still no election results. Off to Nikko. 250 KM one way. Two and a half hours! TOTALLY worth it.

Harley at rest area on way to Nikko.

The Toshogu Shrine made all of the others seem rather plain by comparison. Built as a burial palace for the Shogun, his grandson totally refigured it and made it ornate, tastefully so, but what a place. As Buddha and Shinto co-exist, it combined both, and although the temple portion was undergoing restoration, it was all magnificent.

Torii Gate

Recognize those monkeys? Part of Buddhism for over 2500 years.

Torii Gate in the hailstorm.

Another Japanese lunch, Udon after yesterday's Bento, and then on to the Imperial Villa. Originally a private residence, it was acquired as a place for the Emperor to escape Tokyo's summer heat. The current Emperor lived there during WWII. It has been restored and boasts incredible gardens.

Our last stop was Kirifuri Falls and they were spectacular. The pictures here and on Facebook speak to that.

On the way back to Tokyo, one of the Canadians on the bus asked our guide if she could find out who won the election. The last we had heard was on a TV at the rest stop and the vote was 65-64 in favor of Mr. Romney. Our guide, Yoko, Googled CNN and read the article to us. The entire bus, Canadians, Australians, Swedes, and other foreigners broke into applause with us.

To those who may read this some day, say what you will, Mr. Obama is highly regarded by the rest of the world. Everyone who asked us at any point in our trip about politics and the United States was highly concerned about the Republicans, Mr. Romney, and the threat that they posed to world peace. Seriously, I couldn't make this up. Better yet, Ohio, and my vote, put Mr. Obama back in the White House.

Another taxi back to the hotel,  a different amount, and a different route, no dinner, and a lot of CNN. Tomorrow we fly home. Thirty one of the fastest days ever.