I have only 2 things to say about Kyoto: it boasts more temples than any other city in Japan, and WE GOT ENGAGED THERE!

Some of you have heard the details already, but for those who haven't: James proposed at the pagoda of Eikan-do, his favourite Kyotan temple, which overlooks the city. Considering the place boasts some 137 of the things, finding a favourite is no mean feat. This temple is famous for being one of the few places in the world where you can see a 'looking back Buddha' – we saw this before James proposed (I'm seeing how many times I can use the words engaged and proposed within a single post) and therefore I was still keenly interested.

I don't think I've ever been more surprised or delighted, it was an absolutely perfect moment (once I cottoned on to what was actually happening), and of course I said yes. He had planned everything with amazing thoughtfulness, with a specially-engraved plain band which is to be my travelling ring – we'll pick something permanent out when we get back to the UK. I also found out that he'd booked us in to a 4 star hotel for our last 2 nights in the city, and not the budget ryokan that I'd been led to believe – such were the lengths he went to to ensure I didn't find out, he'd created a fake reservation e-mails, just in case I checked it!

The next few hours (and in fact, days) have passed in a blur; neither of us can stop smiling. The Japanese don't believe in room service so we celebrated in the hotel bar with a tankard of gin and tonic apiece, and then a slap up 6 course French meal (French Japanese food = increased chance of decent red wine). It was a very special evening.

Thanks to all of you for your calls, e-mails and Facebook messages; we wish we were there to celebrate with you, but I am sure we will have a homecoming/engagement extravaganza when we return. We're still both on cloud 9 so have no ideas as to dates yet...realistically it will be 2012 I think but watch this space.

Otherwise Kyoto has been wet and cold for the most part, not that we've really noticed. Highlights (apart from the obvious) have included: Sarah having a geisha makeover (thank you Dani for the telephone number!), a day trip to Nara to see the Giant Cosmic Buddha and I think the best Big Mac either of us has ever had, and, for James at least, enjoying the beauty of the Zen gardens – call me a philistine but I didn't quite get it.

We're off to Shanghai shortly (am writing this from the airport) which will I'm sure be a whole new adventure....