Early days in Osaka

This trip has been, and promises to continue being a trip of firsts. Where ever I go, I am staying in new places, exploring new areas, meeting new people and looking for new ways to live cheaply. Yes, I have been to Osaka before, but everything planned for me was planned by the school. I would wake up early, get dressed and ship off to the Japanese school as part of the exchange agreement. This time around, it's all up to me. From what I eat to what I do during the day, it's all my decision. This is a time for me to explore the Osaka that I didn't see before, but at the same time it's a chance for me to retrace and relive old memories.

This all started at the local train station where, for some freakish reason, I was able to navigate myself first to my host parents shop (where they work during the week) and then to their home without guidance. It was a wierd feeling but it saved everyone concerned some directions over the phone.

Since my host parents had work and Yuma (my old host brother) was on a post-school ski trip, after I had unpacked and become reacquainted with my old room, I rode a bike out to where the old Japanese school was. Here, I met up with some of my favourite teachers from the exchange, but also the current rugby team who only get one game a month! Poor fellas..

Yesterday, in a similar fashion, I revisited the old park we used to go to which is packed with Sakura (cherry blossom trees) which I may even be lucky enough to view before I head over to China. If I do, you're in for some good pics. I'll make a special edition for it.

Ps. Forgive me for the lack of photos. I promise I'll have some for the next blog. No, I haven't lost the camera Dad.