Touch Down in the Land of the Rising Sun

At around 8:30am this morning we touched down at Kansai International Airport, Osaka Japan! Everyone was excited to step foot on land again after 11 and a half hours on board. A strong team of four teachers and 24 students from Balmoral Intermediate and Takapuna Normal Intermediate armed with digital cameras were eager to begin their adventures around Japan. We met our guide for our first leg of the trip at the airport. Mr Yoshi Harada, a very experienced tour guide, gave us a great intro from useful phrases to the history of the sights, and even threw in a few humorous jokes to keep us awake! First stop was Shin Osaka Youth Hostel where we all unloaded our luggage and changed into more comfortable travelling wear, as the temperature was a little warmer than expected. Then it was off for a bite to eat at Shin Osaka Station. With 1000yen in hand we all had the freedom to move around a few restaurants and order something that took our fancy. Some chose the safe option of the familiar hamburger but some ventured into unknown territory and tried a bit of the local cuisine.

After lunch we boarded our first train and ventured off towards Osaka Castle. Sporting our bright pink coloured hats we were easily spotted from all directions. So we were all thinking "castle" ok.....how big could it be? Answer: MASSIVE!!!!!!!!! This huge castle was built to keep enemies out and from what we could see today it sure would have served its purpose.
The gold trimmings were shimmering in the sunshine and made the photos we were taking even more beautiful:-)After the trip to the top and a few souvenirs in our backpacks it was off for a river cruise along the canal that runs through Osaka city. It was nice to chill out and relax for a bit while taking in some of the sights of the big city. Then it was to to get back on the train and head back towards our hostel. With almost no energy left in our tanks we were treated to an unexpected explanation from our tour guide about Kimono and how to tell if a woman is married or if she is on the "prowl." Very interesting!! As I am writing this post everyone (other than me) is tucked up in bed and no doubt already or nearly fast asleep. More photos and plenty of comments from the students coming up....Watch this space! Oyasuminasai:-)