Ah, today - what a day! Possibly the most challenging. I am yet to find my money! But this morning at breakfast in Kyoto, I met a french man as he put on Queen at Wembley Stadium 1986 instead of Japanese game shows as usual - he seemed amused at my french but humoured me, I wish I had met him before I had to leave! So, I packed my bags, swung the 20kg onto my back and braved the light rain to catch the bus to Kyoto for the last time. Because I did have the pack on my back I a) couldn't get a seat and b) got caught in traffic and it took about 20 minutes. Never fear - I found the station and train without the help of the information desk (go, Rachael!). I mean, I nearly got on the wrong train but those are minor details - I didn't get on it! However, after 30 minutes of standing on a packed train with my pack on trying not to hurt myself or anyone else - I got off at the wrong stop. But I stand by the fact that this was absolutely not my fault (well, maybe a little). I got off at the Osaka Shi station, one station before the main Osaka station. I was bewildered and confused but managed to get to Osaka station and holy s*** was it different to Kyoto. Shops everywhere, it was very commercialised and the station was huge. After some more walking, a lovely lady at information told me my hostel was only a 10 minute walk away - hallelujah, my neck and knees were very strongly protesting this stretch.

As I walked outside, I saw the downpour. I swallowed my pride and pulled my bright yellow jacket out from my pack and covered it and walked briskly to the hostel which thankfully had an elevator. They let me check in early since the bed was ready anyway. I checked in, unpacked and rested for a long while. The first thing that happened when I walked in was another tourist held the elevator for me and said 'You've chosen the right place to stay, its awesome here" - good sign? This hostel is clean, friendly, youthful and all new. I was prepared for the worst but it has far from disappointed, it's really great. I spoke to a guy happy to tell me about the nearby food and mock me a bit for not wanting to go out in the rain. I met two sisters from the Phillipines, a guy from Taiwan here for just one night having started a new job and a guy who lives in Taiwan but is orignally from Toronto with hair longer and nicer than mine and a mighty fine beard. Everyone here smiles and says hello, and the staff are so helpful and friendly. The little cabin is just enough space and it feels safe and grown up but still young, if that makes sense? I think I'm going to be happy here.

Ah but the city, Osaka. I went for a brief walk to get lunch but came back as I was tired and chose to catch up on emails and other such trivialities. But after dinner at a tiny, hole in the wall, cheap restaraunt, I wondered the city by night. It is safe,freeing and fascinating here. The lights are bright, the people walk fast and I was the only white person in sight. It was bloody fantastic, there's a sense of liberation that comes with not understanding and just wandering around a new place, especially a city. I went down all the alleys and nooks and crannies nearby and not once felt unsafe or uncomfortable. It was wonderful. I'm yet to make plans for tomorrow yet but thats next on the to do list. I think tonight holds a comfortable sleep, some light reading about the life of Armand Dennis and the promise of another day or adventure tomorrow.

xo Rach