adventures of an aussie and a canuck

Today I met Tracey, another english teacher from the Gold Coast in Austraila. Nova arranged for other newly arrived teachers to meet up outside Namba station in Osaka. Turned out, we were the only 2 to show up. I think there might have been something divine there. We ended up spending most of the day together. I almost felt like we had been friends for a long time or something. weird.
Once I arrived at Namba Station, Tracey was quick to introduce her self. We caught a dance off happening at the station, with all of these amazing break dancers. I can't believe what a serious art it is for the youth here. One guy could not stop looking at his reflection in this big silver ball in the centre of the courtyard. He seemed to have no troubles staring at himself for that long.
Side note... Its funny, I'm noticing that whenever I see foreigners, like myself, in Japan, its almost like I want to say to them, "Hey, look, I'm one of you too. There is more than one of us!"

Anyhoo. Tracey, who actually reminded me alot of myself, lives right in this area, and she showed me the popular area that, you know, you always see in pictures of Japan. The overstimulating Shinsaibashi! The bright lights flashing in every direction, the tall buildings with advertisements every which way (not to mention, the cartoon characters and a shrine of Hello Kitty), slot machines, Japanese lanterns, Japanese people wearing..well...everything from leg warmers to plaid skirts and close pins!? People holding large signs avertizing something or other, yelling "Sumi-masain" "Sumi-masain"!! So many random sights to see. It was incredible. It's like we were caught in a sea of Asian-ness. There was always something to see at every corner. And for all those computer buffs out there...an electronic store, that I think had about 6 floors!!! Unreal. I have yet to tackle Den-Den Town, apparently the cheapest place to by a electronics in Osaka -and their open to bargaining Cinda - we are pros now right?! Sigh...Morocco.
Tracey and I walked and walked, until we couldn't walk anymore, conversation endless, and we stopped at this one restraunt where we ate for about $3.oo. A lovely bowl of udon noodles and this wonderfully sweet tofu. We ate with chop sticks and all, only managing to get a few spills (I know mom!) I think we were just both so excited to meet another newly arrived english teacher.
I made it back to my apartment on the Midosuji Line (which I'm getting to know better and better) and had a glass of wine, oh yeh, and something to eat with my wine. ha.ha.
I needed today. There IS more to this country than right outside my apartment and down the street. I don't feel so scared now. Thank goodness.

(another side note...in the public washrooms here some of the toilets are in the ground. I tried one for the first time today and I couldn't figure out how to squat! I tried spreading, crouching, switching directions, finally I said " screw it, I don't have to go that bad." Then, I looked up and (get this) they have a button you can press that has a recording of a simulated toilet flushing. So if you need to... you know... make noises while doing your business, you can use the recording to drown out the sound (literally.) while on the can! And yes, I did press the button. Not out of necessity, but out of amusement of course!