Osaka does not have a reputation as a city with rich historic or spiritual sights, but it has an exciting street life and lively food scene.
We disembarked the cruise on a very rainy day….. but undaunted, admired the colorful store fronts on our way to tiny snack shops and markets for samples of Osaka’s local delicacies.
Osaka’s famous “Running Man” billboard….. the see-through plastic umbrella was a great asset!
Kyoto – Tertius & Ty’s good friend from South Africa, Yvonne, joined us in Kyoto for a couple of days.
The wet weather did not at all deter the many tourists who enjoy dressing up in kimonos and obis to parade through Kyoto’s shopping streets.
The traditional ryokan (Japanese inn) where we stayed is almost 200 years old….with comfortable sleeping futons and attentive service.
Fueled by plenty of Japanese wine, the guys took a smoke break and tested their walking skills on Japanese clogs.
Hilarity ensued… with Henry’s Japanese tabi socks a particular source of amusement. Or is it how he wears them?
From mainland Alaska through the Aleutian Islands and across the Pacific to Japan, we’ve had a ball. Now we head our separate ways…. And Henry takes a well-earned break.
I am slowly but surely going to be catching up on this trip over the next couple of weeks…. Next posting will be from our time in western China.
Well, those socks do leave an indelible mark and are in stark contrast to the doll-like images above! I guess there is room for all as you explore a culture. I’m intrigued to hear about Western China after following you on the Garmin during those times – that’ll all be new to me.
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