Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Hiya! Hope you're all having lots of fun like me :-) This week has been fairly quiet... I've just finished my 'weekend' and am ready to start work again tomorrow with the added bonus this week of having my first private lesson - ahhhhh watch out! Today I've been out and about on the bike, finding new spots in the city to explore - Osaka is such a huge place!!

Did you have a good Easter?? - the Japanese don't celebrate it, but Kate and I still managed to scoff a few eggs (thanks mum!) after having a mini easter-egg hunt around the flat.

Thought you might like to see what my tatami room looks like - what no bed I hear you cry?? Actaully, my futon is super comfy and makes for an all-round massive cushion when we're watching movies with friends..... and the sliding door opens into Kate's room so we can have night time chats :-)


The view from Osaka Castle and Garden earlier today... looking out towards the city

A secret little shrine I stumbled across whilst out cycling today...

Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle, surrounded by parkland in the city... is a gorgeous spot to relax, take a walk and view the city.

A beautiful shrine in Shinsaibashi...

Today I was out and about after work and stumbled upon this amazing shrine, hidden down the smaller side streets in Shinsaibashi/Namba.., the lanterns and wishing well were beautiful-a good example of those found all over Japan.

Make a wish and say a prayer, then tie one of the prayer notes to the shrine...

Sushi and Sashimi fun

Today we went to Shinsaibashi for lunch in one of the coolest Sushi trains around... it's around 900 yen for as much as you'd like which is redicioulsy cheap but the food is totally out of this world! I'm still not brave enough to try Octupus or anything else with tentacles... but sashimi is delicious (raw fish) and I'm now a big fan!

Kate and I giggling over a cup of green chai





Hmmm Wasabi anyone?

Sights in Osaka...

Check out the Dotombori near Shinsaibashi... and the giant crabs which seem to be everywhere in the city! This is the area closest to Namba and the office.... a great place for something to eat, cheapo shops or night time amusement :-)

Hep 5, Umeda

Ok so this week I spent my days off chilling out since we're not paid until the end of the week-welcome to the real 'monthly-paid world!'- and set off to explore North Osaka. The Cherry Blossoms are still in full bloom so after spotting a few I headed to Umeda which is a trendy, fashionable part of Osaka.... popular with fellow window-shopaholics!!!

I went to find Hep Hep 5, a landmark department store with a huge red ferris wheel on the roof - which can literally be seen from anywhere in the city! The department store was like being in heaven.... watch out pay day!! But the views from the top were just incredible... so take a peek!

This is a view on the way up so you can see what it's like to live in one of the biggest cities in the world...



More parkland...

The big red ferris wheel, cool huh!

Monday night's sleep over with Wes, Kate and Kenny after a few too many at the local 280 yen bar.... hmmmmm

My city... :-)

Cherry Blossom in the parks

Yesterday whilst cruising around Kitagaya on my bike, I spotted the most beautiful Cherry Blossom trees; the most famous flowers in Japan!! Take a peek...

At my local shrine....
My favourite pic...

Sumo

Wow... what can i say - this has to be the most amazing experience so FAR!!! We went to watch the Sumo Competition today in Osaka.... a pretty famous event given it only occurs once a year, and boy was it special! I've never seen antything like and im sure you'll agree that the pic's speak for themselves! teeeee heeeeeeeeee he's naked!

Trip to Kyoto

Our first trip to Kyoto was brilliant; although it's such a huge place we managed to see alot... the first pic is of the wishing well's you see at all of the temples and shrines-drinking from here assures wealth and happiness :-)

My cool friends;- Kenny, Wes, Graeme and Kate

View of Osaka from the Dotombori Canal

Ramen & Udon!

I love the food here.... this was one of our first experiences with Udon, which is basically giant noodles in a delicious soupey bowl with meat and veg all floating about. We always ask for the specials and so far we've not been disappointed! The food is so healthy and together with all the cycling we're doing.... im sure i'll be a size 10 in no time :-)

My first blog!

Hey y'all, how are you?! I'm sooooo excited because i have been out cherry blossom spotting today with all the other crazeee Japanese people in Osaka, desperate for that perfect picture.... and guess what - i've got it! So make that cuppa, take a seat and let me show you around Osaka :-)

Big hugs to one and all!