Octopus Balls, Castles & Kittens

Today was fantastic. I met Ainz at Shinosaka station just before 10am. We decided to take JR to Osaka castle, but somehow got on the wrong train and took a 45 minute tour around the city. It would have been frustrating, but with no real plans and good conversation it was humorous and enjoyable. When we finally arrived at the castle there was a big cultural festival going on. I bought tandori chicken and nan from a vendor to eat as we walked around the castle grounds.

From there we headed off to the Namba/ Shinsaibashi/ Amerika-mura area via Tanimachi and Midosuji subway lines. We walked around for hours, enjoying the sights, the crowds and the chaos. We enjoyed takoyaki in Dotombori by the river. (I've posted some pictures to give you a better understanding). We meandered around Amerika-mura. After coffee at Tullys we found this adorable kitten that lived under the shops wooden deck. It was so affectionate, Ainsley had to remind me that I'm leaving and it's not time to be adopting new pets.

After a lot more wandering we headed to Umeda to do a bit of book shopping. Book stores with english books are few and far between in Shizuoka, so I took her to the store I found on Friday with the amazing sale section. I couldn't help but buy a few more books--they're so cheap. I finished A Wild Sheep Chase this morning and am currently reading Angels and Demons, the prequel to the Da Vinci Code.

We said goodbye around 6:30pm and went our separate ways.

I'm really going to miss a lot of things when I leave this place, and Ainsley is definitely one of them. It's hard to find friends like her. She has a maturity and ambition that I envy, and a sense of humor and optimism that is so refreshing. Lucky for me, I'll see her in three weeks in Shizuoka, and again in the future I'm sure.

Tomorrow is Monday, which means I'm headed back to work. Only 15 days of work left, though, and tomorrow I'm only on from 10am to 12:20. Not sure why, but I'm not complaining either.

For those reading--even if I don't know you--I hope all is well. Take care, and I'll try to do the same.