We got into Osaka a little after 6:30 p.m. last night, checked into our hotel, then headed out in time to watch the stores close. We were so chocolated out that we skipped dinner. I know, I know. A rarity for me.
This morning, however, we were out bright and early. As were many eager shoppers. We passed a group of people congregated outside a department store. “What are they waiting for?”I asked. “They’re waiting for the department store to open,”Akemi informed me. Waiting for the department store to open? It was 9:30 a.m.! What kind of crazed die-hard shoppers spend 30 minutes anxiously awaiting the opening of a department store?!
We decided on Japanese curry for lunch. We were very early but elected to walk by the place, just to confirm its location and, whaddya know – it was already open! So we popped in. I had the katsu-kari – golden fried pork on rice surrounded by the sweet and spicy version of curry served here in Japan.
Then, we walked off lunch by perusing some of the local offerings, strolling through this miles-long corridor of shops.
Artwork adorning the entranceways.
Akemi can’t resist a good cut-out.
We wandered by this temple. Outside the entrance to the grounds was a statue of a portly fellow that Akemi proclaimed: “Your favorite god.” “Why’s he my favorite,”I asked? “Because he’s always eating and surrounded by food.” Oh.
Artwork adoring the ceiling above the entranceway. Chinese astrological signs. I’m a snake. Surprised?
We stop for a snack – ice cream sandwiched between two wafer-thin mochiko powder shells. Akemi liked the shells. I preferred the ice cream. This is why we’ve been together for almost seven years.
One of the department stores was hosting a special Hokkaido-themed event, featuring products and specialities from Japan’s northernmost island – and, uh, this unique claw game. Win your date a potato!
On our way back to the hotel, I pick up some of the biggest figs I’ve ever laid eyes on. An oasis of healthy snacking in the eye of a crispy, crunchy, creamy culinary storm.
It rained this afternoon, but that didn’t dampen our enthusiasm to check out the modest little farmer’s market that set up shop close to our hotel. A sample plate of spicy “thread” peppers caught my eye and, after trying one, I ended up purchasing a bag. “You know what goes great with peppers?”said the pepper farmer. “Mushrooms!” And he motioned me over to the adjoining booth where I was presented with samples of two different mushrooms, one black and one white. Delicious. As I bought one of each, the mushroom farmer informed me that “The black ones fight cancer while the white ones are good for your skin.” “Honey is also good for your skin!”piped up the honey farmer at the neighboring stand. And he had samples too. Good thing our hotel room has a kitchen.
Tonight, it’s unagi dinner with Akemi’s family!
Today’s entry is dedicated to blog regular Mike A. Condolences on your loss, Mike.
No Joe, I’m not surprised. According to IMDb Amanda Tapping is just two days younger than me, so we’re both snakes too.
Oh man, curry rice and tonkatsu, also my favorite Japanese foods. I have a lot of favorite Japanese foods. Street yakisoba may the the top though. Or those baked sweet potatoes which only pop up in cold weather.
Mike A., sending much love and light to you and yours. Loss is so difficult, sudden loss is sharp and terrible to deal with. Hugs.
My husband’s favorite uncle just passed, not unexpected, but halfway across the country. His family is dragging their feet about the funeral, and we need lead time to get hubby home here so he can fly out. Looks like it is not happening. We can’t afford a same day ticket, nor more unpaid time off, nor the loss of goodwill of his company, dispatcher, and co-drivers. Maybe I can get him home to see his Mom on Thanksgiving. Let the other drivers with kids have Christmas.
There’s a lot of good folks here, you’re all very excellent to each other. I like that.
Sorry for your loss, Mike.
Looks like a great trip so far; can’t wait to hear how the peppers & mushrooms turned out. Not surprised you have a hotel room with a kitchen! Lol
Akemi looks so happy and pretty. She seems to be enjoying her new improved vision too.
Those figs look good. Congrats on seven years!
Maggiemayday Hope you feel better and they can schedule that surgery soon.
Mike A.: I lost my dad 7 years ago and there’s not a day that goes by, when I don’t miss him. {{{Hugs}}}
@ uh, this unique claw game. Win your date a potato!
You’re never too old for a good claw game! That has to be the weirdest one ever though. I doubt you’ll find anywhere with cuter plush toys to win than Japan. I’m sure there are people out there who spend an ungodly amount of money trying to win Sanrio related ones.
Sometimes people refer snake as “little dragon” … my mom told me.
“Akemi liked the shells. I preferred the ice cream. This is why we’ve been together for almost seven years.”
What? More for you?
And I remember the trip to Tokyo when you met Akemi. Wow, seven years already!
@ maggiemayday – Sorry your surgery is delayed. Good things come to those who wait….
Thanks for sharing Joe!
@Mike A. – So sorry to hear about your Dad. Like Tam D., I still miss mine terribly after five years. It’s actually hard to believe it’s been that long. My best thoughts are going to you and your family.
Glad you arrived to your next destination, stuffed with chocolate, safe and sound! Please keep the pics coming!
A sample plate of spicy “thread” peppers caught my eye and, after trying one, I ended up purchasing a bag. “You know what goes great with peppers?”said the pepper farmer. “Mushrooms!” And he motioned me over to the adjoining booth where I was presented with samples of two different mushrooms, one black and one white. Delicious. As I bought one of each, the mushroom farmer informed me that “The black ones fight cancer while the white ones are good for your skin.” “Honey is also good for your skin!”piped up the honey farmer at the neighboring stand. And he had samples too.
sounds like they planed that.
(doesn’t seem like i’ll ever see my old red triangle monster again, but as long as people know that this is me, not some impostor.)
Posting this here, too since I got too busy at work yesterday to drop by here:
Thank you all for you kind words. Knowing that some of you have gone through this as well and reading your words of experience and encouragement help more than you’ll ever know.
-Mike A.
@MikeA I know this is very late coming, but I’m so sorry for the loss of your father. He sounds like a wonderful man. Having a parent like that is a blessing; not everyone is so lucky. Just remember grief is a process and every person will grieve differently and on their own timetable.
@maggiemayday Sorry your surgery is delayed and I send wishes of sympathy for your family on the loss of your husband’s favorite uncle. It’s difficult when you can’t afford to go. The airlines don’t give bereavement fares anymore. When Jeff went up to his mother’s funeral, the fare was over $1000. It used to be that if you paid for a full-fare ticket, you would get some degree of elevated service–like an upgrade to first class if there is room. Nope. My aunt (my mother’s younger sister) passed away earlier this month on Sep 6. She lives up in Omaha. I just couldn’t get there. We just don’t have the money. My cousin said she was in and out of it for many days prior to her death and she said to her that she had been in contact with me and what I asked her to tell her. She smiled and said my name. I’m the only one of my siblings who ever stayed in touch with my two aunts. Even when my aunt couldn’t respond back to my letters, I still wrote them. I need to go up in the attic and look through the letters I’ve gotten from her over the years. I think maybe her kids might enjoy reading them.
It looks like you are having such a wonderful time on your trip. I’m with you, Joe. I would take the ice cream. That’s great you have a kitchen in your room. That potato thing is hysterical.