Robots greeted us at every step of our travels to Osaka so far. From airport check-in, to luggage check, to finding a bus to our hotel, to ordering our ramen, we used touch screens in an attempt to get our needs met. Jean said getting out of the airport felt like an escape room. First purchasing a mobile WiFi case then searching for bus schedules then navigating from one vending machine to another before finally arriving at our hotel where...you guessed it...we video conferenced with check in staff from some remote area.
We ate breakfast of eggs and rice at a 24 hour spot. Joni offered to pick up the bill. When arguing ensued, she claimed "Obachan!" (calling grandmother) and the waiter close her as the winner. $27 later all 9 of us were full.
We headed to Osaka Castle which turned out to be much more beautiful and impressive than I anticipated. The entire castle was surrounded by a giant mote and bright fall leaves.
A guide explained that they hauled the giant stones from a nearby small island in the 1600s by pulling them under boats to make them lighter! Trae's ancestors were genius.
A surprise perk of our visit were thousands of Santas of all ages and decor on a Santa run winding through the castle grounds.
On our way out, we stopped at a dojo to watch a karate tournament. Moms held up full body sized pads while their kids kicked them in warm ups out front. And a bit further on, we drew fortunes and strung them up outside a temple. Trae and I were both deemed "slightly lucky". Mine said, "in love, boastfulness is a turn off. Be low-key." Trae's told him "to be lucky in love, a gift will help!"
We are slowly learning to travel with 11 people, including 4 kids and 2 grandmothers, and so far we haven't lost anyone. Joni is the wildcard. Whatever interests her, she moves towards. This is her when she spotted the Santas:
And this is her crashing a wedding photo shoot outside the main castle tower:
Trae said, at least she took her position behind the professional photographers! We nearly lost her at the night market. As a result I assigned Nancy to be her buddy. Which works because they dressed the part. - Kim
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