Osaka Afternoon

So since we had more time to kill we went and did our one activity today which was the Umeda Sky Building. There there is a Floating Garden Observatory on the 35th floor that you can walk around. It isn't a garden so much as a viewing area for the city and below.

On our walk there Grace thought it was cool the gas pumps come from above.



It wasn't a long walk at all the Umeda Sky Building really just several blocks.

It was pretty cool I have this video of us going up the elevator.



Once we walked out of the elevator this was the view of the other tower.



All the reflective panels are cool



Going up




Then when we got our tickets they also gave us this little star piece of paper to write some wish on or something. Just some random activity they had for people who visit. We decided we might as well participate. So when we got up to the next floor we wrote our wishes and I was taking pictures when all of a sudden the mascot that the Umeda Building has came up behind Grace and totally molested her. Then they were like wanna take a picture with it...we were like o.k.a.y. It was totally weird. While this mascot runs around greeting people you hear the Mickey Mouse show music (instrumental of course) but it is on continuous loop.



This is the creepy mascot



At the circular observatory. Wheres Erin?



The Top - Its the Best!



At the observatory they have several activities one is this musical/visual bench room have a watch.


More Butt Music



Our trip to the basement to find food..no luck - so picture taking time.
See the little boy on the left he was totally getting in on the picture almost got him in it too. darn.





Next floor up I was a dork but the waterfall that was outside was cool.


On the way back there is a hospital next to the Umeda Sky Building and this really cool sculpture.



Then we decided to try the Chinese food restaurant across from J-Hoppers and then realized most places are closed because it is Sunday here. So 7-11 it was, I got some rice/meat dish and Grace got hot dog/fries. It is right on the corner basically next door to our hostel in the district we are staying.



Then it was down to the basement at the hostel which is the TV room and finished watching The Mummy (YEAH). After our meal Grace whipped out this candy that she got at the Umeda Building.

Whistle Candy

Erin is being a dork as always

So we just arrived in Osaka. No real damage done, well none really...we were just saddened by the fact that Pearls was closed and we couldn't get our giant toast this morning. But as you'll see we settled for something else =).

Note: I just realized the rain video on Busy Busy wasn't the one I thought it was...but Grace deleted that other one so...as always info I am sure you wanted to know. It showed more thunder/lightning and us screaming like idiots.

Last night I tried the tea, I drank most of the first cup without any sugar, aren't you proud. As you can see Grace tried a little and that was what she thought of it.





Look more Japanese cuisine for Grace!



Desert last night Grace bought this Kit Kat looks cool...yeah...



After tasting it. Yeah it did taste that weird.



Cookies, they had to be bought. Not bad, not bad at all.



Yesterday we were discussing the fact that these pillows in our room, made entirely of little bead balls were completely and utterly horrible to sleep on. So Grace said she must buy the Hello Kitty pillow that was in the window of the shop next door to our hostel.

Oh here is our hostel in Kyoto



Hello Kitty Attack - seriously we bought so many Hello Kitty things


Yes it can be used as a visor too.



At the Kyoto Hostel as well as here in Osaka we had to leave our shoes downstairs in a cabinet but you get these way stylish slippers to use inside...meh.



So that brings us up to date. Just so everyone knows I also finished the 6th Harry Potter book and am now reading the 7th. What better to fill the down time with but "Harry Potter" (said in the voice of Doby). Our Shinkasen ride was soo short that we barely had time to relax and then it was "get off time". Then we had to transfer to the local JR and take it for only one stop then once again transfer to another rail service and get off at the first stop. Really happy though the hostel is just down the street from the station, so close really that I was just looking around Grace was like, "hey, its right here where are you going." There even was this guy sitting right outside who said hello, should have tipped me off, but no I was just walking and looking around. It was funny to see this Frenchman who works here but was staying for a couple days at the J-hopper in Kyoto. He even asked us if we had stayed here before but I just reminded him where we came from. Boring yes... Anyway, hope everyone is doing well and ttyl.

The Last Of Kyoto.

Note to ALL: I opened this blog to anyone who wants to comment. You can post if you would like anonymously or add your name so I know whose been round. Just click the Name/URL identity (it won't make you do a URL just put your name). Glad everyone is enjoying!

Stuff I knew you all would want to see...the view from our room on the 5th floor



"Check Please"
This is what I finally got Grace to eat. Sorry I didn't post it sooner I had technical difficulties again.



Deja vu dinner for Erin



AAHHH - tiny chocolate mochi!!!!



Grace's desert that night



TODAY-----

So like I said we wanted to go back to Pearl for B-fast - Hot Cake time! very good.



Hit the bus onto the temples for today and the Arashiyama District

Kinkakuji

Golden Pavilion Temple is Awesome



Not the best photo but couldn't believe the official little peoplez!





Hey it wasn't me feeding them today...wait I did...hehe



Ryoanji

Good thing they had a nice lake because the rock garden was under construction and we couldn't get that good of a pic.



Famous rock garden - AND KIM - something creative for our Little Miss Natalie



Now to the Arashiyama District. We decided to make it a short travel day because we wanted to get back early and pack and such. But, we did go to one last temple and walked the district a bit.

Tenryuji






We walked down a few streets there and I saw this sweet cream/vanilla/roll thing and wanted to try it. Grace calls it the Icky Log.



Then the view of the famous Togetsukyo Bridge and forested Mount Arashiyama




Cutting it short for now, hungy!