July 20, 2010

We met in the lobby at 10:00am as planned with our luggage. We checked out of the hotel and checked our luggage in with the consierge desk. They were so cordial and helpful. The omiyage we brought really came in handy for these moments.

Another "free day", but this time we decided to take it a step further.

Francis, Robbie, George & I caught the Midosuji subway line again to Dobutsuen-mae station and transferred to the Sakaisuji line and got off at Ebisucho to get to Den Den Town. We followed Dr. J's directions to Kimonoya, a kimono shop on a side street. Thanks to Francis's negotiating skills I bought two silk kimonos and one obi for a total of $40 US dollars or Y4000. What a deal!









We walked around a bit looking in stores here and there. I found the artwork on the top of the buildings quite interesting.









We got back on the Sakaisuji subway line and went to Ogimachi station to get to the Tenjinbashi suji shopping arcade. We did it! We found Chigusa restaurant but sadly it was closed. So we shopped and walked until we found a noodle shop. We had lunch and then caught the JR Osaka Loop Line subway back to Umeda station.

We decided to check out Yodobashi Umeda since we still had some time. We found the massage chairs and by this point we were all tired, our legs hurt and these chairs felt rather good. I sat in one and guess what, I fell asleep, yikes! Too funny! We were all done with our shopping and Robbie finally found a gift for his grandfather in Yodobashi. Wonderful!

We met in the lobby and made our way over to the limousine buses we took to Kansai Airport. Everyone was tired. Most of us slept on the bus but I wrote in my journal so I wouldn't forget my thoughts and experiences.

I never realized how big Japan really is and how crowded it is. People work well into their 70s and they seemed to be strong and in good health. What's their secret?










Dr. J really does a fabulous job of putting this class together. He obviously put in a lot of time planning everything, even down to transporting our luggage from Kyoto to Osaka. So many details. He really wants us to learn a lot about Japan, the people and their culture. What I learned the most about Osaka & Kyoto is that the Japanese have been able to keep their traditions and their culture alive while moving forward in technology and modernity. Their respect culture is so strong, their willingness to serve everyone without expecting any tips amazed me. They are so cordial and nice. Even the young workers are respectful and grateful for our business. I love it here!



This is Sunset over Kansai International Airport! What a lovely way to say goodbye.....









Kyoto/Osaka Summer Class 2010
"New Friends!"

I can't wait to get together in August....see you folks soon!