Everything they say about Japan is true. Well, the good things at least! Service is impeccable and everything is so clean. Most ads have cute little animals. And English is non-existant in some places, like the 2nd floor bar I’m in right now, but hey, my Japanese is improving, hai!
Today we started out with a traditional bath in our hotel. Our restroom has a one-armed, heated Toto which Bram immediately put to the test. Our hotel, T’Point, is a design boutique hotel near Shinsaibashi station, well recommended!
We spent most of the day in Sumiyoshi taisha shrine to watch the annual Otaue rice planting festival. Near the shrine’s northern gate is a great coffee shop – kissaten – called Winnipeg. Check the pictures to see the cutest panda latte art.
In the late afternoon we passed Osaka castle and took a ride on a ferris-wheel ON TOP of a skyscraper building. And now we are sampling a bit of the nightlife around Dotonbori, the neon lights are truly too bright! Back to playing Wii with the bartender 🙂
Btw, Osaka is full of bicycles! If I had known we would have rented some!
Every night should be Slow Music night
There are not many Famous Belgians, but Adolphe Sax is one of the lucky few. In 1841, he invented the saxophone, an unique combination of power and agility. Yet a contra-bass saxophone still weighs in at a whopping 20 kg – and only around 25 exist in the world today.
All the more reason to be absolutely amazed by bass saxophonist Colin Stetson‘s solo at the beginning of the night! First, Shara Worden (aka My Brightest Diamond) opened the evening, seated at the piano, urging us to ‘Slow Down’ with her enchanting voice. In case anyone was still unclear about the theme of the night, Colin was there to reinforce the message. Like a snake charmer, he hypnotized the audience. One minute became five, five turned into ten and then time just stopped. Continue reading Every night should be Slow Music night
Visionmongers and Friends
Whenever I hear the song ‘my friend’ by Groove Armada, there’s always one person that immediately pops up in my head…
I’ve known my best friend for 12 years, though we’ve been through so much together that really it feels like we’ve known each other a lifetime.
People who work with me think I’m very independent and prefer to do things myself. I am still learning how to delegate things. I was raised with the notion that it’s impolite to ask things for yourself – and when offered something, always first say no. I hate to inconvenience people, least of all my friends.
Continue reading Visionmongers and Friends