Osaka Observations, Day One

Yesterday, we sat on airplanes for 13 total hours.  Despite some funny business at Sea-Tac involving Asiana airlines insisting we hold some sort of ticket out of Japan, 30 minutes of frantic phone calls and web-browsing for tickets, a visit to the back office, and some considerable delay, we enjoyed the flight to Seoul and the flight from Seoul as much as could be expected. As far as airlines go, Asiana got a lot right (a vast selection of free movies including Oscar 2010 contenders, decent food, great service, and surprisingly clean and equipped bathrooms).  We would fly with them again.

That was yesterday. Today, we shook out the crooks and kinks as we walked 3.5 miles from our hotel in Namba to Osaka's glorious Osaka-Jo (Osaka castle).  It felt good to stretch the legs, get the heart pumping, and see the city.  The walk was fantastic, and the destination even better than expected. The castle has spectacular grounds, a fascinating history, and a fine museum.We'll let the photos of the castle speak for themselves!

As interesting as the castle was, the surrounding park and people-watching was today's highlight.  We have really enjoyed observing the differences in culture and behavior.  The people we've interacted with have been so kind and outgoing.  Surprisingly, we've found a lot of English speakers.  Annette even got a gift from one of the volunteers dispensing tourist information at Osaka castle.  The very friendly lady spent around five minutes speaking with us in broken, enthusiastic English and presented us with gifts as our conversation ended.  First, she reached in her bag and pulled out a postcard from the castle.  Then, after some more rustling and mumbling, she presented Annette with a stunning little origami doll.  Too sweet!

Everyone was out today to enjoy the sun and the late-blooming, though still beautiful, cherry blossoms. It was interesting and quite relaxing to sit back watching families, Japanese tour groups, and school-aged children enjoy the wonderful weather and awesome backdrop of the ancient castle and grounds.  For all of the cultural differences between the two cities, today felt a lot like a Spring day in Seattle.  Warming sun, a light breeze, and smiles on nearly every face, happy to be outside soaking up the energy of the city and some rays.

We probably provided plenty of entertainment for local people-watchers too as we bumbled about, stumbled over the few Japanese words we know, and oggled slack-jawed and wide-eyed at every little thing about Osaka that seemed "different."

Following some much needed R&R back at our hotel, we ventured out again in the evening in search of good food.  After being misdirected by Lonely Planet as to the whereabouts of our restaurant choice, we stumbled upon the actual location by accident.  We slurped our udon noodles as loudly as possible in our attempt to fit in.  On our walk back to the hotel, we ventured through the Dotombori, a futuristic Blade Runner-esque shopping and dining arcarde.  All the hip kids were out and about in their outrageous and out-there fashions.  Short skirts and big hair for the girls; big hair and leather jackets for the guys.  The people watching was, again, the highlight.

All in all, a great first day in Japan!

Notes

The free breakfast at our hotel had a noodle salad resembling our pasta salads, or the macaroni salad that comes with Hawaiian plate lunches.  And, surprise, it was delightful with breakfast!

As advertised, there have been lots of fantastic mini-goofs on English-translated signs.  Here's our favorite (with photo): "On this shop you'll be given safety and pleasure never before experienced."  Honorable mention goes the description of a "hot battle" at the Osaka castle museum.

A giant dragon lives behind our hotel!