Teacher life is in full swing here for Jessica Sensei. I feel as if it is lesson prep after lesson prep! I’m hoping that once I have a storage of resources collected and trialled, I soon won’t have so much work ahead of me.
This was the reason why I chose to spend an expensive day in Osaka over the weekend. A few friends and I decided to travel to the Pokemon centre and Aquarium as a small day trip away from Okayama. It is surprising to think that after years of production, Pokemon is still a craze in Japan! And of course, I couldn’t help myself but purchase the three basic pokemon while I was here. If ever you visit this place, be warned that you will most likely spend your money on something, no matter how hard you try to resist!
The Osaka Aquarium is said to be the largest in the world. This was my second visit, having been there 4 years ago with my high school. However, it was still as hypnotizing as ever. I’ve also decided I might quit teaching and take up the life of a seal. They looked as if they had no care in the world – how I wish I could live a life like that!
A beautiful moment to watch was a baby dolphin following the movements of it’s mother, as they circled throughout the enclosure. It was truly beautiful. And for anyone who knows me personally, they’d know how much I would have loved it!
This guy was also a little poser. I waited for ages to try and capture a picture of him jumping into the water - but he never did :( Guess he liked having his photo taken from his best side ;)
Osaka is also famous for okonomiyaki – usually a noodle filled savoury pancake, with an absolute heavenly sauce. It is by far my favourite food in Japan. There are two styles in Japan – Hiroshima and Osaka. There always seems to be a battle as to which city can produce the better! Unfortunately, I had no Osaka-style okonomiyaki this trip :( But, I will be returning soon enough so I can try some!! Then I will have to make a decision for which I like more!
I have been continuing my gym classes and even tried my first Zumba class last week. Although I felt self-conscious and uncoordinated at first, eventually I relaxed and just enjoyed it for what it was – dancing crazily with the local Japanese members! It was an awesome experience and I cannot wait to go again this week.
Now, I am getting prepared for my friend’s visit from Australia! I am so excited to see her and show her around. Next weekend we will be taking a short trip to Tokyo, with a visit to Disneyland of course! I’ll have to prepare for some long lines over the holiday weekend. Maybe it will rain and send everyone home? Japan’s weather is unpredictable after all!
