While working on some write-ups for my coursework, I decided I needed to get some of my idealistic dreams for the future out here.

Imagine what our ideal world will be like in 2050. It will likely be a cleaner, more efficient place to live in, with never-seen-before harmony among all the diverse groups of people. There will be no conflicts between countries, because the only kind of interaction we want are constructive, positive ones which contribute to the progress of mankind, so that life will be better for all. We will be very sustainability-conscious, for the sake of itself, for the sake of protecting and preserving the planet's wonders. None of that political agenda bullshit. Not for generating profits which will only end up held and locked away by the minority elite. Most of our jobs will be done by robots because technology would have advanced far enough to take over even those jobs you thought were too sophisticated for robots to handle. What will we do then, with all the newfound free time? Would humans be doomed to idle away their time feeling worthless? No, I say. I say we'll be able to enjoy all kinds of intellectual or hedonistic pursuits. We could make more music, make art, create beautiful or crazy things and feel a real sense of achievement for making something for the sake of it.

The way most of us are living now is in no way conducive if we want to have that kind of future. Think about how much you really need most of the stuff you buy. Do you really need to change that bag because the colour is out of season but it's still in close-to-new condition? Do you have to grab a brand new plastic bag for your groceries, or can you reuse an eco-bag many times over? Could you write on both sides of the paper before placing it in the recycling bin/trash? Most importantly, why is 'new' and 'more' > 'durable' and 'less'? Why produce so much goods and then try to sell them off, discard of all the damaged and wasted/unsold extras?

We need a change in mindset. We need to reset our priorities. Instant gratification is not everything. Money is not everything.

On the third day of my Kansai trip with Klins, we walked to a McDonald's outlet to meet Dru for breakfast before heading for Gion Matsuri. It was a quiet morning, perfectly pleasant weather for strolling. Along the way, we passed by a shrine of sorts.

This guy was probably tired from the heat and exertion.

Us sneaking a photo in the backpack shop while taking a brief respite from the heat outside

Two graceful obasan

Super premium leather backpacks for elementary school children

All in all, I would say that Gion Matsuri was more of a solemn procession because the observers were largely acting in a refined manner.

Klins bought this houjicha soft serve to try. It was really fragrant!

Tenmangu Shrine

The Gion procession caught up to us at Nishiki market. We wanted to wander off elsewhere, away from the crowds. So we went up the streets to find the Tsujiri honten which I was really excited to try. Looking back, I am very grateful to have had Klins and Dru accompanying me to the places I wanted to go.

Was fascinated with how archaic this building looks

Display of the delightful desserts at Tsujiri

I've come a long way from discovering it in Taiwan, settling for it in Singapore, and finally! The KYOTO FLAGSHIP.

Klins got an ice-blended milk shake drink (left), while I got the super rich matcha latte with azuki and shirotama

More from Nishiki market. Look, it's wasabi

Our next attraction was Nijo Castle. The main thing I wanted to experience was Ninomaru Palace, because of its nightingale floors - they squeak when you walk on them. It mildly resembles the chirping of little nightingales.

Karamon Gate

The zen garden

Had a lot of fun getting sprinkled by these mist showers

One photo of the station sign for nostalgia's sake

Our lucky find in Nishiki market. 洋食for under千円

One of the last two spots we visited that day was Gion, the famous geisha district where expensive restaurants line the road in the form of traditional wooden merchant houses.

Forever undecided between thinking they're cute Pokemon trainers or annoying (actually it was only because I was frustrated I couldn't play too)

Kyoto tower in the back

Very expensive shinkansen ride okay. Must document through photos properly.

Me feeling really sad to leave Kyoto, and to leave Klins behind...

On the bright side, I had Lawsons bento to keep me company

Thanks for the safe ride back to Tokyo

Cherish all your days... you never know what might happen tomorrow.