With spring comes the return of traveling (I hope!). First stop: Osaka

A few weeks ago, I went to Osaka for about 24 hours. We went on a Friday after work, with the intention of going dancing, because we hadn't in a long time (there are no clubs in Yamasaki). Lara, Heke and I took the bus to Osaka, checked into our hotel and had a late dinner at a really cute izakaya near where we were staying. It was dimly lit and we were in our own little room at our table on the floor. It was warm and cozy and we ended up staying until they closed at midnight. Then we went dancing, and ended up staying out all night. I had planned on staying all day Saturday and coming back Sunday to Yamasaki, but I was so tired I was thinking I might just go home on Saturday morning. Heke did do that, but I rallied and stayed Saturday with Lara to do some sightseeing. I'm glad I did, because it was a gorgeous early spring day and I've been wanting to see Osaka (not that I really "saw" Osaka. It's a HUGE city with a lot to do there's no way to get in all in in one day). We went to Osaka castle (which is not as impressive as Himeji castle, since it's actually a replica of the original) but it was still cool. There were some beautiful views of the city from the top. We ate sakura (cherry blossom) flavored ice cream and wandered through the park. At the base of the castle there was a vast plum orchard and the blossoms were just starting to come out. Since the weather was so nice, many people had decided to picnic under the trees along the river beneath the castle. In the afternoon Lee joined us and we checked out a temple, then I caught the bus back to Yamasaki in the evening. 

Pictures from Osaka