Unleashed in the East!

So it's been a whirlwind since touching down at Kansai International in Osaka. Joe and I hit the ground running once we got settled in the Hotel Dotombori and within no time found ourselves wandering the wild streets of Osaka and making pals. I'll let these pics speak for themselves right now. I am now in Yokkaichi, where Joe and Libby have thier old apartment still (after moving to Tsu - about 30 minutes down the tracks but an easy hour by car, which we are travelling around in). We are meeting a gang of their pals out tonight but since this apartment still has the internet connection, I am able to post. I went to Nara yesterday, saw one of the largest Bronze cast Buddha's in the world, which is housed in the largest wooden structure in the world, it was very, very impressive. Actually I am still quite overwhelmed by Japan, it is daunting, the line between old Japan and New Japan is blurry to say the least. Though I will say that the Japanese we have met (this is in a variety of social situations - young punks, cool kids, a doctor, the president of a university, hotel & restaurant staff, etc.) have been the most incredibly gracious and wonderful people I believe I have ever met. It is a Japanese characteristic that I truly wish we could import to the USA.

Pics for now:






Some of the gang at the Merseyside Mojo bar, our home away from home in Osaka


For relaxing times...make it Suntory time.


We met the local Tony Montana. Joe is impressed.






Neil and Rob (from England) with Joe and I outside our digs, Hotel Dotombori - early morning, returning home from a great night out in Osaka.


Found this cave in Osaka at 5 in the morning, still rocking out to the Misfits


Harmonica's Unite!


I fit through this, thus insuring enlightenment, Joe fit too. Very tight squeeze. It's the exact size of the nostril of the Nara Buddha (see pic) and if one can make it through, well, there is hope.












Kanpai! From Osaka with Love.