Last weekend I went to Osaka with my friend Misato. I took the day off on Saturday, and we headed for the big city on a bus that took far too long. It was her birthday, so we started to drink on the bus. Having a pre-drink before the pre-drink party is always a good move when it's birthday celebration time. After meeting up with Jill in Shinsaibashi, we made our way to the bar. On the way however, we came across a serious pervert. He stuck up behind us and started to jack off behind a pole. What... so he saw three blonds and got aroused!? Apparently it wasn't the first time for that kind of thing to happen to the girls who live in the city. Anyways, he ran away after we yelled 'chikan', the japanese equivalent of pervert, about 20 times while laughing hysterically. We went to a club in Umeda called Sam and Daves. It was a pretty cool place equipped with a large bar and two lovely dance poles conveniently located near the air conditioning ducts. As much as I am totally against unnecessarily looking like an exotic dancer, it was ten times cooler on the stage. We ended up dancing till about 5 am, and left the club to find pouring rain outside. But nothing a couple stolen umbrellas and dancing in the dancing in the rain can't cure, as well as singing Rhianna's song 'Umbrella' in front of drunk Japanese kids.
We loved these guys. Not only did they occasionally give us glowing bracelets, but they also had synchronized dance moves that they had clearly practiced pre-club, or come everyweek and have acquired a routine.
The next day we were a tad hungover/ lazy/ tired. BUT we managed to get out of the house around 3, and went to the BEST ramen shop in town called いぷうど. The noodles were great, and so was the hottest japanese waiter ever. After that we went to a game centre. They are a subculture all of there own; loud, bright, highly enjoyable. Some people are so intense when they play games that they have to use sweat towels. We also went into one of those photo booths where you can draw on the photos after and change them around etc. Very funny. After that we met up with some more people and went for coffee. And I got to see my Japanese friend, Noriaki, who had just moved to the city a month before.
Jill and I went out that night to an Irish bar. One of her bosses was playing drums in a band. So there was a little unexpected dancing on a Sunday evening. The next day I had mapped out a series of art galleries and museums I wanted to go to. But being a Monday, they were all closed. So I did the next best thing in a big exciting city- SHOP. Osaka is such a funky urban city, where all the latest Japanese fashions can be seen walking around the shopping districts. I don't know how to describe the styles that are going around now, but let me just say that it's pretty much anything goes. For girls, there is still a kind of hippy-sheek edge to their loose flowing skirts and flat strappy leather sandals. The thing I love about Japanese boys is that they aren't afraid to dress a little feminine. Thin retro t-shirts accompanied by short vests are a good look, for girls or boys. I myself purchased a vest...however there is no even point in looking cool in Fukui, hahaha. So, as sad as I was to not be able to museum hop, shopping was still very satisfying.
Now I'm back in my little town with a renewed spirit. I've been in Japan 10 months now. Only 4 more to go, but it is going to be a sunny, beach/ mountain filled four months. There are two mountains my school is planning to climb together. We are climbing Hakusan Yama in two weeks.
All for now.
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