As I sit to write this entry, I have butterflies. I can't wait to see you in 2 days. I can't believe it! The time has flown (no pun intended). I was getting the students to tell me interesting facts about Osaka the other day, in order to properly introduce you to this city. Here's what they came up with:
-The Kansai Airport is the worlds only floating airport, and aparently every year, it is gradually sinking. Ummm...maybe something you didn't want to know.
-The Yodogawa River is the river that runs through Osaka, and is the prominent spot of the Firworks Fesitval in August.
-There are 808 bridges in Osaka
-Osaka is also known as the Merchant City, alot of trade is done by water.
-Osaka is the home of the Hanshin Tigers (baseball team)
-the city is also the headquarters of Yomiuri Television. In case you decide you want to watch some Japanese t.v while you are here.
-The biggest building in Osaka is the Umeda Sky Building, with the floating garden observatory on top (I hope to take you here on Thursday). You know, its only like 38 stories or something...no big deal.
-Signature Osaka food: Takoyaki (Octopus Balls) - which I will make you try when we go to Osaka Castle!!
Something interesting that I found:
"The population of Osaka Prefecture is 8,804,806 , or seven percent of the total population of Japan, ranking second after Tokyo Prefecture.
Osakans are especially famous among their fellow Japanese for their strong character. Osakans speak the Osaka dialect even when in Tokyo and tend to be easygoing anywhere. People tend to think of Osaka as a town of merchants, and one of the most famous exchange of phrases translates roughly as, “Have you been making any money? / Well, just getting by.” In one survey, Osaka ranked first among prefectures as a place whose image was described as very industrious. In addition, people tend to associate Osaka with lively, brignt images like “vigorous,” “cheerful and aggressive,” and “friendly.” Indeed, it is said that each prefecture in the Kansai area is blessed with its own unique characteristics, and comparisons of the residents of each prefecture reflect these wide differences."
Osakans are especially famous among their fellow Japanese for their strong character. Osakans speak the Osaka dialect even when in Tokyo and tend to be easygoing anywhere. People tend to think of Osaka as a town of merchants, and one of the most famous exchange of phrases translates roughly as, “Have you been making any money? / Well, just getting by.” In one survey, Osaka ranked first among prefectures as a place whose image was described as very industrious. In addition, people tend to associate Osaka with lively, brignt images like “vigorous,” “cheerful and aggressive,” and “friendly.” Indeed, it is said that each prefecture in the Kansai area is blessed with its own unique characteristics, and comparisons of the residents of each prefecture reflect these wide differences."
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I am anticipating your visit more than you know. I can't wait to finally show people what my world looks like. Mostly because you will be able to see it with your eyes, walk on it's ground, smell it's air, and hear it's sound. I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes...I hope this place will come alive for you, as it has for me.
1 comment:
desperate for some more new jane news, i saw that your family had left, and though i am sad for you too, i had hoped you would write about it on your blog...but no. I will check again soon
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