I had the uniquely gratifying experience of going to Japan. I stayed mostly around Kyoto, but made a couple of excursions, like to Himeji Castle (click photo for enlargement). This is where Musashi Miyamoto trained to become a samurai. I'd forgotten this, and only remembered upon spying his likeness on a box of cookies in the gift shop. Wonder what he'd think ...

This trip was a definite high point for me, a cultural pilgrimage. I was very happy there.