Osaka: The Beginning

So I guess this is where I start, and attempt to put my life in Japan into some form of perspective.  It has been a crazy journey into the future, 16 hours ahead of my home, one half of a massive world traveled.. I can't say its been without trial or tears. Leaving everyone that I love has been hard, but the excitement of exploring a new city, a HUGE new city, in a fascinating new country, has made each moment of hesitation into one of anticipation.  

   
The journey to Osaka was rather easy, the flights were quick and surprisingly painless.  Business class to Japan definitely didn't hurt!  Once in the Osaka airport, the skills a I learned backpacking through Asia all came back to me.  Quite possibly the easiest entry into a foreign country I have had so far, the Kansai airport is completely English friendly.  On the bus to my new home, the first thing I saw, was a giant neon green ferris wheel towering above the cityscape. Stories and stories of building sat nestled upon the bay, their neon lights reflecting off the water.  As the streets and signs rushed by my window, my excitement grew and grew.

My bedroom

I made it to the house that I will be staying in for a month. It is in Moriguchi, which is about 15 minutes by subway from the heart of downtown. It is a quiet little suburb with potted flowers lining every street.  It beautiful, but doesn't see too many gaijin, so arriving in Japan with little more Japanese than "The cat is in the hat," proved to be a little more difficult than expected. Eating is the only thing that is still tough, and I have multiple times ended up with a bowl of rice with what can only be described as something similar to uncooked bacon on top. It is surprising how quickly it grows on you though! But the house itself is incredible, and was the perfect transition to a new country.  I have 8 roomates in this Japanese mansion, 2 locals, and 6 foreigners, but since I have been so busy, I have only seen all of them a couple times.
  
The first day was spent with a group of American kids who are studying Japanese at the local university. I had chatted with one online before I arrived so it was about my only contact in the country.  Turns out, i couldn't have asked for a better introduction to the city.  The group of us spend the day shopping and eating, and me trying to soak up any useful info about getting by in Japan. It was incredible, and I could really start to see how much I am going to love this city!  The busy streets, that flood with people as the traffic lights turn red. the street stall of enchanting food lining every corner. And the neon glow that signal the city coming to life. This is my new home: Osaka.