Leaving Chang Ki's Cheap Apartment
Walking down the Country Road
DAY 26 - Originally I was supposed to meet Rieko last night at Namba, but
somehow she didn't contact Chang Ki. Since this day was my last day in
Osaka, and Rieko would be busy working during the daytime, the only way
we could meet was over breakfast. I asked Chang if he wanted to go with
me, and he let out a "no" because he was not a morning person. I had
to wake up at 6:00 am in order to meet her at Tennoji station at 7:30.
I arrived ten minutes late because (1) I woke up a little bit late. (2) I
wasn't sure about the way to Makino station as someone gave me incorrect
directions. (3) I got out at the wrong station. (4) I barely missed all
the trains I got. (5) I was carrying a large piece of luggage. (6) I had
to put the luggage in a locker. (7) I waited at Kintetsu station instead
of JR. (8) I waited at the wrong exit. However despite all these factors,
it was a miracle that I was only 10 minutes late and was able to meet Rieko
although she had no mobile phone. We just chatted over a pancake breakfast
at McDonald's before she had to take the bus to her part-time job.
Rieko & I at a Bus Station
After Rieko left, I was left with plenty of time. It was not yet 9:00 am
and the only appointment was lunch with some friends at Umeda. I looked
at a map of Osaka, and decided that I might as well walk to there. I
decided to walk through Tennoji Park and to take a look at Tsutenkaku Tower
but I decided to go on. I entered Isshinji Temple, but soon realized that
this was a temple for the dead. I went by many motorcycle shops, all the
way to Namba. I walked past the electronic stores and through Amerika-mura,
which was very quiet, as it was too early in the morning. Finally, I
arrived at Namba. After meeting Chang, Kyesook, and Sanhao, I dragged them
to Mandrake because there was something I wanted to get before leaving
Osaka.
Oni of Isshinji Temple
Tsutenkaku Tower
Streets Near Namba
Amerika-Mura
Overloaded Poles
Osaka 2008 Olympic Bid
Traditional Advertising
Lunch was at Asian Kitchen. One good thing about it is the free
refills for ice coffee and oolong tea. We had a good view of outside since
we were at the top floor of a very tall building. After leaving Sanhao and
Kyesook, Chang saw me off at Shin-Osaka.
