Japan -The Final Leg

I have been home for a couple of days now, busy washing clothes and sorting out numerous souvenirs Darrell and I bought in Japan. Coming home is always the hardest part. Getting back to normal after a holiday is not my favourite thing to do, especially since, judging by past experiences, it hasn't ended well. After every holiday in recent times, I have returned with some deadly infection or disease, so thankfully, so far this time, I have been OK — touch wood. I have slight nasal problems, but after 12 hours of flying and 24 hours of travelling, that is only to be expected.

I visited my doctor yesterday to make sure I didn't have an infection, but he assured me I was OK. It appears that the dry air conditioning on the flights, as well as staying in fierce hotel air conditioning for ten days, has caused some form of reaction. Nose bleeds and nasal passages, so red and sore, were simply a result of travel and nothing to be concerned about.

For the past three occasions, I have returned from abroad with a staph infection. I have had operations, medical referrals, and been on a drip in the hospital for 7 days, and all because of a nasty bug I picked up while travelling in Southeast Asia. This time, I was leaving nothing to chance and made sure I took more time off at the end of my holiday, in case I needed any treatment. Not being back at work until next week allows me time to catch up on things I need to do at home and, of course, write — the happiest aspect of my life.

Poundhouse Cafe, Osaka

We had a rather leisurely day before we left Osaka, visiting many of the places we had fallen in love with during our stay. Poundhouse, was a favourite destination of choice. This small café in the Dotonbori district of the city was an essential stopover during our long walks in the area.  As much as I loved the place, suffering with lactose intolerance, since having my gallbladder removed, I had to make sure I took my medication with me. The cream cakes and ice cream are delicious, but they can cause me some stomach issues. This is, of course, no reflection on the café itself because the food is delicious, and I can't recommend this place enough.

These small, almost insignificant places make or break a holiday. If I return somewhere time and time again, I know I have had a good experience. The Poundhouse gave me that feeling of inclusion, by staff who were superb. The standard of English in Osaka was mind-blowing. Almost everyone could speak some English — and that was impressive — putting my Japanese knowledge to shame. The girls at Poundhouse gave me that warm, fuzzy feeling, that I get when I'm in a good space — that is the gold standard of good service from an eatery that understands customers.

Mizukake-Fudo at the Hozenji Temple

After tea, cake, and ice cream at Poundhouse, we visited one of the most famous sites in Osaka, the moss-covered Buddha or Mizukake-Fudo. This is a site of pilgrimage for tourists like me. I never realised the place even existed until I saw it on YouTube. It really is in a hidden back alley, tucked away from the tourist areas of Dotonbori and Namba, but when you find it, you are greeted by the most unusual statue you have ever seen. 

The temple was established in 1637 and is a few minutes' walk from the famous 'Glico Man Sign'. Tourists throw water over the statue, giving it its distinctive moss-covered appearance. The statue, Fudo Myoo, is one of Japan's most protective deities, where pilgrims wish for good fortune and luck. This is a special destination. You can see the footsteps of ordinary people, who have made their way through the narrow backstreets to this tiny temple — a relic from antiquity. Despite the tourists that were there, the Hozenji Temple is strangely quiet and serene — the perfect place to stop, take a breather, and contemplate the future. 

Darrell and I both took the opportunity to make a wish and look around this survivor. While other similar shrines were destroyed during World War II, this one survived and is a symbol of the beauty of a city that appears to never sleep. The bright neon lights outside this little sanctuary illuminate your way to this delightful temple; it isn't the brightest, grandest shrine I have ever seen, but it is certainly the most poignant, and somewhere I'm glad we were able to see on our visit. 

Elrodeo, Dotonbori

Darrell and I spent the rest of the day shopping, which we can do very well. We would love to return to Japan in the future, but of course, there are no guarantees. Both of us collect stuff on our travels — our house is full of it. Most of it is cheap, plastic, and kitsch in style. We don't have a lot in common as a couple, but our love of inexpensive souvenirs is definitely one thing we do. We have collected so much stuff in the past four years since we have lived in Perth, that we are running out of space. I said to Darrell just last night, we need a bigger house, just for the things we collect on holiday.

The shops in Osaka are unlike anything I have seen anywhere else, and I wanted to get some clothes that just summed up the eccentric Japanese culture, which we both love. Elrodeo was the perfect shop, offering handmade clothes from local artists. These one-off creations project modern Japanese style and its endearing nature. The clothes here are wonderful, and considering they are all handmade, they are pretty reasonable in price. $400 later, we left. I bought Darrell and me a couple of hoodies and a bag with accessories. This is stuff I will probably never wear, but will sit in my wardrobe as a reminder of one of the most memorable holidays of my life.

Farewell Osaka

Our final night was relaxing. With an early morning start, we took the opportunity to discuss our trip. Looking out across the city from our hotel room, we were both reflective at the end of our journey. We had experienced everything this remarkable part of Japan has to offer: Nara, Kobe, Kyoto, and Osaka itself. The memories forged in Japan will stay with us for a lifetime, and in truth, I was sad to leave this fascinating country behind.

Osaka is so far removed from where we live in Australia that I was initially unsure whether I would enjoy this holiday. However, this was an energetic city, full of life, character, and amazing people, and I will miss it terribly. I am a city dweller first and foremost, and for that reason, I find Perth in Western Australia a little too quiet. Osaka is on the other end of the scale. There was always something to do, see, or somewhere to go, and I never once felt bored or at a loose end, in complete contrast to Perth. 

They do say travel broadens the mind, and I was left satisfied and fulfilled, but also wanting more. I have a strange affinity with Asia and, given the right opportunity, would live there tomorrow — Japan was on an altogether different scale. Unlike Taiwan, it was easy to communicate, find somewhere to eat, and feel a part of the city. Osaka was a destination I fell in love with; Taipei wasn't. From culture to kitsch, there was something for everyone. I am glad we chose Osaka over Tokyo — it was more of a gentle introduction to Japan. It has also left me planning for the future. I hope to return to this country again one day, to experience the bigger, more vibrant city of Tokyo. Until then, I have plenty of memories to keep me going.

Our flights home were tiring, and neither of us was feeling one hundred percent. The older we get, the more travel takes it out of us. With some final shopping at Osaka Airport and a spot of breakfast, we got on our first flight to Singapore. This flight was once again half empty, so Darrell and I had three seats to ourselves, which is always a bonus. The turbulence was particularly bad, however, and by the time we landed, I was feeling decidedly delicate. This is the one aspect of flying I will never get used to. 

It was nice to spend a few hours at Singapore Changi Airport, however. On arrival, we once again did a spot of shopping, and lunch was an unchallenging Burger King — not wanting to upset my stomach, before the final flight of the day. By the time we got back to Perth at just gone midnight, we were both shattered and glad to be on terra firma. Paying over $80 for a taxi ride from Perth International was a bit of a shocker, mind you. That is over $20.00 more than the last time we travelled. I can only assume the war in the Middle East is taking its toll.

Like most holidays, I am already planning the next one. Japan was a biggie for us, so next time we are looking at Bali or Singapore as a quick break away. I have to say, this holiday was a lot cheaper than I thought it would be, and I actually came home with $4000 change. Don't be put off flying to Japan, because of the implied high costs — they aren't really that different from Australia. If you want to go, just do it. You will never regret it, and, like us, will want to return again!