LOST IN TRANSLATION - Chapter 10 Osaka and our last day...

My visit to Osaka 20 years ago was a memorable one. The blossom was out and petals fell upon me as I climbed up to the castle. I wondered what I would remember of my visit, if anything. That was in March 1997 and here were at the end of October nearly 20 years later. Once again Halloween seemed to be all around us. As for the city street signs , Osaka looked to me like a little Tokyo and even more outrageous for the childlike signs that were around us.





























No texting while walking...haha!
Without seeing this sign, we had got into a womens' wagon!!!

 We were undecided about what we would do. There had been some talk of going to visit the « largest aquarium » (in the world?). We opted for that. 

Upon arriving at the site, it was obvious that we were in a sort of amusement park. It looked huge but we headed our way across to the Aquarium avoiding the Pokemon « searchers » as we went. This was the first time I had been aware of them during the trip. I was glad that Jerome « enlightened » me showing what Pokemons were all about. Definitely not for me…
I took this when we were leaving..the above sign should also have referred to Pokemons, don't you think (No texting while walking...)

 

The aquarium is divided into 18 areas and at moments it is like walking under the sea.  When we started out, we were all somewhat bemused but as we walked along the signaled route, it became more and more fascinating. Although they claim it to be biggest in Japan, I get the feeling that Kuroshio Sea Churaumi Aquarium in Okinawa, is more spectacular...

 The fish came from all over the world. Hence the sections...
Monterey Bay - Californian Sea Lions





The largest species of rodents in the world from Ecuador

Antartica Penquins

Antartica Penquins

From the great Barrier Reef

A huge Whale shark from the Pacific Oceon




Anchovies from China

Giant Spider crab from Japan. The biggest crab in the world.



Here he is again...





The jelly fish were extraordinary...apparently one of the most renowned collections nationwide. They had a magical beauty about them...











































And other penquins from the Falkland Islands...







 But what was this ? ...


 The visit had an exciting end to it. We could actually stroke certain fish. Raie, which under normal circumstances  would shy off at once...



His back was smooth...
Both ray had a very different touch. This was rough

Back to the hotel, a quick glance at the Halloween crowds and then onto our last restaurant hunt.




The Halloween crowds lining up for a restaurant...


It was a lovely meal and an enchanting evening. 

If you have come all this way with me and enjoyed the trip and what we discovered - you too can thank Laurent and Jerome. Without them, it would have been impossible.







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