Day 1: 8th july - airport - Darrell and Seiko - okomoniyaki at Umeda
Love the airport, it is built on a artificial island. As the plane approaches, i saw the mountains and i got excited. On the Approach, you can see Osaka on the port side of the plane. I was sitting on the starboard and my view was the sea.
Love the airport, it is built on a artificial island. As the plane approaches, i saw the mountains and i got excited. On the Approach, you can see Osaka on the port side of the plane. I was sitting on the starboard and my view was the sea.
It was kinda early at 0730hrs. Most of the shops were not open. I came out of the airport looking for the limonsine bus. I was really easy as the bus stop are clearly mark with numbers. I went to No. 5 to buy a ticket from the machine. It cost 2700 yen for a return ticket from Kansai Airport to New Hankyu Hotel, where Nami is waiting for me. While waiting for the bus, I couldn't resist myself to buy a Coke from the vending machine which is so abundant here.
Punctuality is expected in Japan. If the schedule says 0825hrs, the bus shows up at 0815hrs. If the train is late for 1 min, there are announcement made to apologize to commuter. On the limousine bus, announcement were made in Japanese and English. They even explain that due to traffic, the bus might not be able to reach destination on time. And more apology.
Up to this point, I still couldn't believe that I'm in Japan. I know Japan through media, I use Japanese product and I love them, I tried Japanese food, but to be here is surreal.
Nami was waiting at the air con waiting area. Osaka is hot at this time of the year, this, I had a hard time believing too.
We walked to Osaka station and bought the ticket to Esaka and walk about 10 min to Darrell and Seiko's house. We drop by a supermarket to get our breakfast. My first meal in Osaka is cold Soba.
Seiko was waiting for us at home. Since it was so hot, the aircon was turned on. We had breakfast together. I took the night flight from to Osaka, I'm feeling slightly tired now. To my surprise, Seiko is into Korean drama, I took a shower and leave the girls to follow their Korean drama.
It was slightly more than 1 hour before I woke up. Not bad for a afternoon nap. We went out for lunch at a Sushi restaurant. Have you seen those Sushi conveyor belt in Japanese restaurant. This concept started from Osaka, according to Seiko and Nami. I was impressed when you order a dish, a chime will sound out to let you know your order has arrived. It's quite fun. Besides sushi, you can order soup and desert which we did.
After lunch, while Seiko was doing some grocery shopping, I wandered in the store. Wow, it's all things Japanese. And everything was so nicely package, tempting shoppers to grab them. I was craving for afternoon coffee and we head back to Seiko's place to make some.
Okonomiyaki
Osaka singles disciple has a traditional of having Okonomiyaki when visitors come over. We waited for a short while before getting a table. I actually didn't know what to order, I guess they saw my helplessness and order something on behalf. I did ordered beer for myself.
Darrell and Haruka made it in time for Okonomiyaki dinner. I love it. I love everything serve hot from the plate. Okonomiyaki has shredded cabbage, cheese, some special sauce, beef, pork or seafood, and sometimes rice and noodle. There is nothing in it that I don't like. Great company, delicious food and accompanied by beer, what more can I ask.
Nobuaki had to work late. Despite that, he still make a trip over just to say hi. Really appreciate his kind gesture. We were done when he came, I feel bad that he haven't had dinner. I try to make it up by offering him a slice of Kuey Labis that I brought from Bengawan Solo in Singapore. We spend some time getting acquainted and took some funny photos.
It's time to call it a day. Darrell and I wanted to catch up more and talk a little bit into the night.
Day 2: 9th july - Hiking - Kobe harbour - takoyaki party at Taka and Shinobu
Unknown to me, people in Osaka cycle alot. Every train station has a massive bicycle park. The one at Esaka is 2 storey high. On most day it is packed. You have to pay like 100yen to park your bike for a whole day. I was told that because parking is so expensive, hardly anyone drives to work. Riding to the nearest station to get on a train is the most common way of getting to work. Another thing that amaze me about bicycle parking in Osaka is that hardly anyone uses a chain to lock their bicycle. Just a simple lock that prevents the rear wheel does the job. You see, I use to love riding around the estate I live until I lost 2 bikes to thieves. I lock my bike using a chain, I guess they probably use a cutter to get my bike. I doubt Singapore will ever get to a point where bike theft are rare.
Darrell, Seiko and I got on our bike and rode to Esaka. So how did I get a bike. Last night, Yobuaki was nice enough to meet us after work and to pass the bicycle key to us. Darrell was riding kind of fast, I was trying to memorise the way and catching up with him. After a few change of train, we finally got to Kobe Station.
We have to make a trip to the supermarket to get our lunch, something new to me as well. I only go to supermarket to get fresh food, not ready food. But it seems normal for Japanese to find their lunch or dinner in the supermarket.
Steps away to the waterfall, originally uploaded by Jerry Tok.
I am amazed and impressed by japan. The hike up to the waterfall is amazing. The first waterfall is the Male Waterfall. I wonder why the name? The view from the lookout point is simply amazing. Reminds me of HK, but this is more impressive. Then haruka and Nami bought me to kobe Harbour land. I was in awe of the view. I wanted to say that singapore is beautiful but i think just cannot be compare to this.
After visiting the bay, we got a bit of time. I wasn't feeling very hungry but I just couldn't forget the suggestion to try McPork. We don't get that in Singapore as we have Muslim and therefore all fast food are Halal certified. I like McPork. Like most other country, McDonald's only serve ketchup and not chilli sauce.
We had to Mikuni station and walk over to Taka and Shinobu's house. By now, I'm starting to realise that I'll probably not get a chance to take bus. It seems like most ppl walk to get to their destination after alighting from train station.
The Takoyaki party was really awesome. Since Takoyaki originate from Osaka, almost every home has the hot plate for making Takoyaki. Usually, people use octopus as the filling but tonight, thanks to the creativity of Shinobu, we had cheese, kimchi, sausages and other meat as filling. I like them all.
Takoyaki Party 1, originally uploaded by Jerry Tok.
I met a lot of the disciple and they are all very kind to me and make me feel absolutely welcome. Later, Taka came home after this baseball game. It was a company event. Taka is tall. Though he looks a little stern (maybe due to his height), he seems like a caring person. I wish I could converse with him in Japanese.
So glad to meet Shohei. He's going into full time internship for 3year. This guy really have the love for ppl.
Later on, Taka gave me a ride to Darrell and Seiko's house. Darrell waited for me at the carpark.
Day 3: 10th july - Breakfast with kids class - Church - Karaoke with brothers - date with nami
Got picked up by car from Darell and seiko house. Osaka church is like a house. The first floor is where we have the Service. We went up to the 2nd floor where nori and fiona is staying. They are also the caretaker for the church.
Church starts at 11am. But by 9am, some of them have arrived and brought with them breakfast. I like the atmosphere here. Feels like a family gathering. We had breakfast together. I had to chance to share about the young teen ministry that I am serving now. I am humbled by the Japanese disciples' willingness to learn from my sharing. I felt under qualified to teach anything but they are so eager to hear.
Fiona was my translator at the service. We sang songs in Japanese but in the familiar tunes from the Kingdom songbook. Ken the brother who is leading songs also choose an English song to sing just for me. I felt so honoured.
It's been the church tradition to have lunch together. Again, we went to the supermarket to get lunch. I got myself sushi and cold noodle. After lunch, we sat around the table to fellowship. Some of the kids we running around and playing. These few boys were fighting with their swords. "Very boys" as Darrell puts it.
We went for Karaoke with just the brothers. It's really funny to see Darrell singing so enthusiatically in Japanese. I got to sing a few songs in Mandarin and English. We had a good time singing, clapping and playing the tambourine.
Karaoke in Osaka, originally uploaded by Jerry Tok.
Date
Met up with the sisters at the station. We head to the Osaka station for date. We first went to the HEP building. Apparently, the shop that they are looking for is closed already. So we adjourn to the nearby mall and went up to the restaurant on the 17th floor. It was buffet style dinner. I love the sunset and the view of Osaka from here.We went looking for Purikura. The last time I did this was probably 12 years ago. We have fun. I like reviewing the photos and seeing all the funny expression. One machine has the function of enhancing the eyes and make it bigger. Some of Darrell shot were really funny. He already had big eyes, the enhancement makes his eyes look 'too beautiful'
Before we head home, we went for a short prayer and I got a nice card from my date.
Day 4: 11 jul - cycle to park - spendtime with Shinobu - BBQ dinner with Nori, Fiona, Lily and Nami
Slept in till 11. Pick up my bike for a ride in the morning. I was slightly disoriented and make a couple of wrong turn. Finally, figure out with direction and head for the park. Just half an hour, i know i was hungry. Probably a little too hungry to enjoy the park.
Spend about 20 Min exploring the park, i was too tired to go on without breakfast. So i head the direction home and was on a look out for conveni.
Went over to Shinobu's place for tea time. Seiko was there as interpreter. We talk about deep stuff.
Went to a pet shop to get stuff for seiko fish tank. The pet store was huge. I saw a big tortoise. He's sleeping and not moving.
Then off to the church we go. Fiona and Nori invited me over for dinner. Spent some time playing with lili, i drop the ball into the honeycomb and out come a voice in japanese.
Lily was tired and Fiona has to put her to sleep. We clean up a bit and went out of the house to play Hanabi (fireworks). Hanabi always brings back alot of childhood memories.
Day 5 12 july - Prayer at Lucua-lunch with nami-dinner at Taka and Shinobu.
Shohei is an awesome brother. He took a day off just so that he can spend the morning with me. We went over to umeda to meet nami. But before she came, we had some time to talk. He's quiting his job this job to join the staff internship. That must be a big move for him to do that.
Day 5 12 july - Prayer at Lucua-lunch with nami-dinner at Taka and Shinobu.
Shohei is an awesome brother. He took a day off just so that he can spend the morning with me. We went over to umeda to meet nami. But before she came, we had some time to talk. He's quiting his job this job to join the staff internship. That must be a big move for him to do that.
We had breakfast and QT. After prayer, Shohei had to leave for work. Nami and I spend some time to decide what we can do for the rest of the day. We took a walk at the mall and went looking for a place for lunch. We found a restaurant that serve katsudon, one of my favourite japanese food.
We went around some stores looking for souvenir that I can bring home. I end up at the supermarket getting snacks to bring back for my family and friends. We met Shinobu at the supermarket. A visit to the supermarket is an experience itself. Everything is nice. Not just the packaging, most of the product are of high quality. Japanese really make everything to perfection.
We spent the rest of the evening at Shinobu's house chatting and having coffee. At evening, we sent Nami to a cafe near Mikuni Station, where she is meeting other sisters for a bible studying. We bid goodbye at the cafe. And just went we came out of the cafe, there was rainbow.
Day 6: 13th July - Transit at KL - Singapore
Gotta wake up early today at 7am. Need to catch the limousine bus at 8am. Not sure if Nami and Shohei is going to come. Nami call me yesterday to tell me she's not feeling very well today and might need more rest so that she can make it for the devo on wed.
Well, Shohei and Nami did show up. I was glad to see them though i really feel bad for making them getting up so early just to see me off. I'm so touched.
Since i had 2hours before my flight take off, i went to explore the airport. I am very impressed by japanese service. The limousine bus tag every luggages, the staff tagging my bag are friendly and efficient. Upon arrival at kansai Airport, there was announcement to imform you that you've arrived at 4th level at departure hall. To retrieve your baggage, present your tag to the porter. They are really always friendly and efficient.
This plane is a newer version,I'm glad that i can watch video on demand. There're new titles to choose from but i really couldn't resist Avatar. Watching the movie brings me to a new world. And it seems so real. I want to believe it is real.
The other title i select is a short film on kim yuna, the korean figure skater that took the world by storm. Korean woman are living at a time when its cool to be a modern woman. Woman are taking the lead in music, fashion and figure staking! ! And the Kim yuna and other woman, they are urging woman to be themself, pursue their dreams and scale new heights. I think this is also happening in many parts of the world, including sg.
I notice the rise of woman and i suppose i can say the weakening of the male species. Men are afraid to lead, and the poor frustrated woman has to take charge. Later the woman lead and maybe even doing a better job,that makes men more intimidate and create a vicious cycle.
After spending 3.5 hrs wondering at KL International Airport, I was glad I can get on the homebound plane. I will think twice about transiting the next time I fly.
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