🍑 With what can only be described as perfect timing, my husband returned from the gym, opened our hotel room door, just as I stepped out of the bathroom, naked.
The elderly couple behind him in the corridor watched in horror as I completely failed in my attempt to cover up. Good morning from Osaka!
📸 Taking time out from the relentless fun to relax and enjoy the sunshine in Kobe this afternoon. And I have the tan lines to prove it!
📸 I snapped this, with a phone, while walking and not even looking at the focus straight on. I think it turned out okay. And there’s no shortage of interesting and fun things to photograph here in Osaka.
📸 Yes, I’ve finally reached that age where I find myself taking photos of drain covers that interest me. In my defence, this one has a googly-eyed monster on it. The mascot of next year’s Expo in Osaka, apparently.
🍺 Trying something a little different in the lounge this evening. Asahi Black - and it’s bloody good. Googling whether I can get it again once I’m back in the UK.
👣 Today was all about 15,00 steps around Kobe. Beautiful city. Blue skies, a cable car and waterfront views. And yes, there was beef. Now back in Osaka to refresh before going out tonight.
🚂 Next stop: Kobe. We actually ditched plans for the Shinkansen. There was a rapid train service for just ¥420 (about £2.00!!) and it only takes 20mins. Filming from the train window and enjoying the sunshine.
🚄 Starting slightly earlier today. We’re taking a day trip to Kobe, so I’ll get to enjoy a (very short!) Shinkansen journey and some delicious beef! It looks like it’s going to be anotherr beautiful day, weather-wise. ☀️☀️☀️
📸 Exploring the lights, sounds and aromas of Dotonbori last night. Can you tell I’m incredibly full of delicious food?
📸 Exploring Osaka yesterday with my onsen buddy, Sho. He used to live near me in London, so it was nice to catch up while soaking in the baths.
📸 This evening was all about the comfort food: takoyaki, okonomiyaki, karaage and beautiful grilled chicken. All washed down with crisp, cold Asahi beer.
📸 This afternoon’s post-onsen lunch. Absolutely delicious!
♨️ I had the most wonderful few hours soaking in outdoor baths and melting in saunas today. No photos, obviously, but nobody needs to see my hobbit form sweating anyway. I felt absolutely wonderful adterwards and enjoyed a delicious lunch with a local friend. And then a solid and very deep nap.
🧠 Sitting down in the executive lounge of our hotel, hoping this caffeine will activate my brain.
I made the mistake of taking a nap after we came back from Namba and feel like I set my jet lag back to square one! We had a lovely wander of the area, bought some mementos, and I made onsen plans for tomorrow with a local friend. Looking forward to a long, hot soak/sauna combo, followed by some takoyaki and a beer.
Tonight? After some free hospitality in this lounge - last night’s buffet was pork-tactic! - we’re going to the best gay bar in town and taking it from there.
Enjoying a wander around Namba, under some very welcome sunshine and blue skies. It’s 20C here right now! Only slightly ruined by the relentless and awful Christmas music playing virtually everywhere.
☕️ Sitting down to a hotel breakfast after a fun night out in Osaka. Somehow managed to walk 21,400 steps yesterday and I have to say I’m feeling it now. I’m not sure of today’s plan but it’ll definitely involve more coffee.
🍽️ I’ll never not be amazed just how much some adults completely lose the run of themselves when presented with a buffet. Some people here behaving like they’ve not seen food in a week. None of them are Japanese, obviously. Just badly behaved tourists…
☕️ Currently relaxing in the hotel’s executive lounge, re-fuelling with some Diet Coke, and getting ready for the hotel’s free ‘cocktail hour’. Once we’ve had our fill, we’ll head out and do some more exploring. It’s been a very chilled out day as hubby was hit hard by the jet lag.
📸 Enjoyed a gorgeous walk to Osaka Castle this morning. Blue skies and sunshine all over. The perfect start to our visit. You know you’re visiting Japan when you hit 12,000 steps before lunch!
✈️ Eating my way to Tokyo:
I flew to Japan with Japan Airlines on Wednesday, luxuriating in their First Class service. And without any exaggeration, I can say hands down, it was the best aviation experience of my life.
