Happy Sunday! This week, Ann-Christine is the host for Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #270 and the theme is On Display.

We decided to have an early start after arriving in Kyoto by Shinkansen the previous afternoon, hoping to beat the rush hour crowd on the bus. We couldn’t be more wrong. Is there no end to rush hour in Japan?

Anyway, after muttering about a dozen Sumimasen (Excuse Me in Japanese) as we squeezed our way to the bus’s exit, we got off the bus near Kiyomizu Temple – a must-see temple, according to my mom – crossed the street and began meandering up the tiny alleyway, or so we thought because before long, we heard honking behind us. Lo and behold, there was a truck trying to squeeze its way down the narrow lane. Quickly, I scurried out of its way and ducked beneath the awning of a shop.

Much of the shops along the cobblestone street were closed as it was still early in the morning but that didn’t stop me from window shopping.

I was actually surprised by the obsession of these so-called “Maneki Neko (Fortune Cats)” in Japan. It’s on display everywhere. According to the internet, it was said the obsession began when a store owner took in a stray cat. He fed the cat and took care of it like it was his own child. Then one day, as the cat stood outside the shop, it raised a paw and suddenly, the man’s business was booming.

Whether this is myth or just a tall-tale trying to get suckers like me to buy one of these adorable kitties, I guess no one will ever know. Yes, I bought a kitty in Japan, not in Kyoto though. I spotted this adorable ceramic Neko-san (Miss Cat) in bright red kimono in Asakusa near the Sensoji Temple but afterward, mom became worried it might get lonely and had been on the hunt for company every since.

As we headed up the slope, the heat of the day started to set in as I began to feel beads of sweat form on my forehead and my skin started to feel sticky. I could feel my attention was beginning to drift as shops began to open and flooded with customers looking for souvenirs.

As mom and her friend headed upward, I slowed down. Crowds overwhelms me and I don’t do well when I’m anxious or borderline hyperventilating from the heat and people. I was glad to had glanced down at that moment. Seeing greenery always soothes my anxiety and seeing Miss Cat just gave me a chuckle.

At last, panting and out of breath, I rejoined mom and her friend. “Do you want coffee?” Mom asked.

“I can use a cup.” I hadn’t had coffee nor much in breakfast that morning. As I turned my head, I saw the Starbucks. I saw this on YouTube as I was preparing for the trip. It was said to be the only Starbucks to be located in a teahouse.

I got a Venti Iced Oat Milk Latte and tried to find a seat but there was none. Every single seat was taken in this cramp little teahouse.

Just my luck and there I thought I could spend a few minutes to enjoy the drink and rest my aching feet.

Oh well, onward we go.

Finally, can I help it to take a picture of Snoopy? He was my idol when I was a child and I still smile whenever I see him in any kind of display whether on TV or in a giant toy form like this welcoming customers.