DAY 1 - Kaiyukan

Our first offical day in Osaka dawned and the skies were filled with clouds and precipitation. Yep, it was set to be a rainy day. Thankfully we had the day planned with a trip to the Osaka Aquarium - Kaiyukan. We hopped a couple of trains to get there, and then stood in line huddled under our 108 Yen umbrellas from the Lawsons down the street from our hotel.

I’ve been to the Aquarium before, but this was Abi’s first trip and we’re both pleased to say that we loved it. I know that it has actually been four and a half years since I was last there so I really shouldn’t have been surprised that it had changed so much, but I’ll admit that I was. It’s got to be the best aquarium that I have ever been to, with a tank large enough to house not one but two whale sharks. Though I will indeed admit that my favourite part was seeing the river otters who were being fed when we arrived at their display.

But to get it across, I will share the pictures rather than try to describe it all. 

Afterwards, starved, we headed over to the Tempozan Marketplace to eat and wander the stores. We settled in for okinamiyaki (Japanese pancakes) for lunch followed by Halloween themed Baskin and Robbins icecream. How could you resist something so cute?

Next on the agenda was to head on into Osaka station and check out a number of the large department stores. In particular Yodobashi Camera and Loft where we both added to our stationery supplies. After a little more wandering around the area we decided it was time to head home. Originally on the Japlan was a trip to the Alice Cafe for dinner but the rain was blowing and pouring down so hard we didn’t fancy the three block walk to the venue. Instead we hopped onto a train back to our Osaka hotel to call it quits for the evening.

Arrival in Osaka

We have arrived in Japan.

It all began at 4am on Saturday 21st when I was woken by a phone text message tone. Jetstar had delayed my flight into Cairns (our stop-over before heading to Osaka). This would mean that we would not make out connecting flight.

Cue, panic mode.

I managed to book us on the earliest Qantas flight to Cairns which would get us there in time to make our connection. Yes, I would be out of pocket, but that’s why you have travel insurance. I will deal with that when I got home.

So, a very early phonemail to my travel buddy and we got to Brisbane airport in time to get on our flight.

Arriving in Cairns, we jumped off, checked into our next flight before grabbing breakfast at the Coffee Club. At 1pm we were on our next leg of the journey. 6 and a half hours later we have arrived in Osaka Kansai International Airport. 

  

Sunset in the sky

Next step. Train to hotel. Only problem is that in my itinerary, I had planned travel from the wrong Osaka airport. Domestic instead of International. Lots of umming and ahhing, but we jumped on a train heading in the right direction. A few more hiccups with connecting trains and getting a little lost in subway stations followed. Then came the 7 flights of stairs that we had to lug our suitcases up to get to street level. Hello sweat.

We finally made it to our hotel, checked in and then ducked back up to the Lawson’s market for a selection of 100 yen food for dinner.

There were some issues with connecting our devices to the wifi in our room the last couple nights,  so I didn’t get to post until this morning. So, while I am connect to wifi, it is so much slower than what I am used to at home and it's cutting in and out.

Third time's a charm

It's been quite a while since I last took a holiday and this one has been on the cards for a while. In just under two days I will once again be in the lovely Japan. This time I am travelling with my best friend Abi. It'll be her first trip to Japan and I am incredibly excited to show her around and explore new places together. 

The itinerary is very detailed and very thorough - I just can't help myself. And it is jam packed with excitement. We will be flying into Osaka where we intend to spend a couple days, one which will include Universal Studios before heading to Tokyo for the remainder of our two week trip. There we will be spending four days at the two Disney parks and visiting Harajuku, Akiba, Nakano, Asakusa and a number of other hot spots around Tokyo. 

At this stage, my suitcase is mostly packed and just waiting the last few items to be tossed in on Saturday morning before I head to the airport. So stay tuned to this blog, as once again I will be blogging my way through Japan. 

Only two big sleeps to go!

Adelaide in Autumn

August saw me head down to Adelaide again for my annual trip to the Australian Costumers Guild ball (which you can read about on my costuming blog here). But while it is the main reason for my trip, I certainly try to see the sights and do interesting things while I am there. And there are a few.

This year, I made a point to visit the Hello Kitty Café. It’s the only one in Australia and opened late last year. I just couldn’t resist visiting while I was in town. It’s a little hard to find and trust me when I say google maps don’t make it easy. But, it is essentially on the very edge of the large permanent markets in Adelaide City. So while it took us a while to find, it was well worth it. The café is beautifully styled in brown and yellow – quite paired back for what you would think Hello Kitty would normally be. But like all theme café’s, everything is themed. I think the photos speak for themselves as to how pretty it is inside. I loved it! And the food. Definitely worth it. I had a dark hot chocolate which was the most delicious thing ever (not too sweet), a dark chocolate mousse (because it is hello kitty shaped) and matcha sponge gateau (reminiscing over the many delicious matcha flavoured foods in Japan).

Afterwards, we wandered around the markets and stocked up on delicious cheeses. My family are very dedicated to cheese so it was incredible to see so many options available. I just wish there was something like this whole area close to my home back in Brisbane. It was amazing. Everything that you could want to stock up on for your weekly menu – cheeses, breads, meats, fish, bakery items, fruit and veggies as well as many specialty items. I am very jealous. We also found the most inviting Italian café / restaurant inside the market area where we decided to stop for lunch. I was still full from my Hello Kitty experience so opted to share a dish. And the gnocchi fiend that I am could not pass up freshly made Italian gnocchi. Beautiful little pillows of potatoey heaven on a plate.

We also stopped at the Vintage Market across the road which has a huge range of items. It made me wish I was driving back to Brisbane so that I could stock up on pretties and load them home with me. Instead I just purchased a tea trio which I very carefully loaded into my carry-on luggage and a couple of vintage hats from the 1960s, including a turquoise one which just so happens to match my hair.

On Sunday, we decided to trip on up to Hahdorf again. It was mostly at my own urging because I really wanted to visit the Berenberg Farm again and stock up my carry-on luggage with delicious jams, chutneys and dressings. Believe you me, when I say that I stocked up good.

We then spent the remainder of the morning in the beautiful German town Hahndorf. I wrote quite a bit last year about my visit there, so I tried to capture things a bit differently this time. There are many little stores along the main street each with a very German vibe. The town was settled by German immigrants originally and I love that it has managed to maintain its German charm. If you like poking into little shops to while away your day, then Hahndorf is definitely for you. But just remember to wear your eating pants. There are so many beautiful little restaurants and café’s offering a taste of Germany.