Osaka Update #1

After long concideration I decided the format of my luguage would include a bike bag and an extra large riding bag. I packed my bike and as little clothes as a could. In the end i was dead on for maximum weight.

The plane ride went smoothly and I arrived in Osaka at 8:30pm local time. As I was flying with a friend her son and his family picked us up in a car from the Kensai airport. Mari, Angela`s daughter in law and Rick`s wife cooked us curry which was a great way to kick of my Japanese food experience. After dinner Rick walked me back to Hiro`s guest house where is stayed for two nights.

Hiro taught me to make Udon soup which has been very useful as a budget breaky. He also taught me to make miso soup. Last night Hiro cooked me and a new friend EJ some pasta which was also pretty good. After Hiro`s I moved onto another guest house where I am currently staying at called Lemon House

Since I moved into Lemon House I have spent most of my time getting my bearings and have learnt to get around Osaka pretty well. I have eaten out most days around 2 times at least and have been aroudn to a few little bars. Ive eaten Ramen, Udon, Katsudon, Tacoyaki, Tompeyaki, Sushi, Miso and plenty more. I experienced some awesome Karaoke in a snack bar down some strange lane near Korea town which was heaps of fun.

It seems I have run out of Photo space so I`ll stop here for now but you can check out some more photos here: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/album.php?id=722670920&aid=210967

Ill post more in a few days and will try to be more regular from now on.

さようなら。

さよおなら in 15 days!

finally the month of my departure has arrived and soon it will be time to say goodbye. I will be another Aussie tourist in the mass of Japanese people. If anyone has any friends in Japan who they think would be welcoming, it would be great to have someone to take me around or show me something only locals know about. So if anyone has any friends over there or places they think i should visit please let me know and possibly you could hook me up with their details. Please call me and well try to catch up before I go away. Its going to be a while before ill see you next.
2joes

Booked!

At long last I have booked my flight and I am leaving on the 15th of March at 6am. I applied for my visa the other day too and should receive it soon. Keep following if youre interested in checking out either my trip or just Japan in general. Will be posting some interesting items that i will be happy to purchase for anyone interested while im away.
2joes

2joes heads to Osaka

I, Joseph Henry Gauci-Seddon, have created this blog as an online journal of my journey to Osaka, Japan. My journey began early on in my life as my parents took me to Japanese restaurants instead of macca of kfc. in addition Kimonos and Japanese furniture was scattered around our home. From an early age Japanese culture was bread into my blood. The deal was sealed when I saw Lost in Translation and my final decision defiantly had nothing to do with my love of Japanese women. As year 12 exams grew closer my desire to leave Australia burn stronger and stronger. I had fully disregarded uni as an option straight out of school. With no prior knowledge of the Japanese language I began teaching myself Hiragana imediately after yr 12 exams but found the concept of a completely new alphabet quite dificult. Since begining learning I have planned and planned and sketched up itineries but still have little idea as to how my time will be spent in Osaka. I intend to travel for roughly a month upon arrive begining with a journey riding from Osaka to Tokyo. On arrival back in Osaka I plan to stay in a hostel and gather a small group of private students whom i shall tutor in english. Eventually i hope to find my own apartment and work in a bar and spend around 8 months experiencing the culture Japan has to offer. On this blog I shall post images, videos and reports all to do with my trip in Japan which will begin in early to mid march. I hope you all follow my journey and enjoy my retelling of my experiences.
2joes