Thursday, December 6, 2007

Where in the world is ......... ?

Greetings from Osaka, Japan!

As the new year approaches, Japan is getting ready for the Year of the Rat.

Japan has always been into "cute". Case in point, the ever popular Hello Kitty shown here in a rat costume as a mascot/ key fob to be hung on your cell phone. Haven't taken a poll here but it seems that everyone has some sort of mascot/charm hanging from their phone.

Gingko trees along the streets in Osaka, Japan.

Here's something they never told me when I majored in textile design ages ago: That a career in textiles would lead to travels around the world, and, in my case a lot of it in Asia. For me this has been the best of all worlds. I love travel, long flights to read and think and the thrill of the hunt, whether it's sourcing new fabrics or finding great art reference. And then there's the side perks: shopping and eating!

I love all Japanese food.


Most departmaent stores have an entire floor full of not only Japanese sweets ( yum) but chocolates and goodies from all over the world.



The best way to get to and from Kansai Airport and Osaka, the Rapit train, only $13 !


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12 comments:

  1. AnonymousDecember 7, 2007 at 1:43 PM

    Japan is beautiful! I don't know what I was expecting, but this looks so much like Middle America!

    have fun!!!

    (Does the japanese adult beverage Saki come from Osake?)

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  2. Jenny CDecember 7, 2007 at 3:24 PM

    Oh my gosh - I'm so jealous! Have a super fun time!!!

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  3. AnonymousDecember 7, 2007 at 3:28 PM

    It looks like you are having such a great time! Let's see..I'll take a 10 foot Hello Kitty for Eliza please.

    Sandi

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  4. AnonymousDecember 7, 2007 at 8:08 PM

    What fun! I hope you have a great time! Do you ever get to go to Taiwan? If so, I'd be super jealous - that's where I grew up. We used to snack on Japanese milk candies - they are THE BEST little snack.

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  5. AnonymousDecember 8, 2007 at 7:09 AM

    How lucky are you?! I'm soooo jealous. Lots of wonderful things to see there! Enjoy!

    With friendship,
    Lisa

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  6. AnonymousDecember 9, 2007 at 3:58 AM

    Looks like rewarding and fun work! -- especially with that beautiful food to look forward to.

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  7. Horses club in the middle of Osaka cityDecember 10, 2007 at 3:23 AM

    I was looking forward to seeing the pictures you took in Osaka!! Good choice and good angle that you took a picture of the street of Gingko trees. In this season, this Gingko tree street always makes me feel I am somewhere in North America, it doesn't make me feel I am in Osaka, at all! Ha Ha.

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  8. AnonymousDecember 10, 2007 at 11:41 AM

    I was in Japan last year, and had so much fun. It was a lifelong dream of mine to go. I love the picture you took of the food. Japan culture and food is so beautiful!

    thanks for sharing!
    katie jean

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  9. AnonymousDecember 10, 2007 at 4:59 PM

    Looks like so much fun! Color me green, 'cause I am jealous.

    Mary @ Confessions of a Craft Addict

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  10. joscelyne cutchensDecember 10, 2007 at 6:49 PM

    I have never been to Japan. living in Hawaii most of my life, it's not that far... I love love love your beautiful pictures! and I love Japanese food too!
    ~I do not have a cute character hanging from my cell phone. ;)

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  11. atetDecember 14, 2007 at 12:32 AM

    Now I'm hungry!!! And that Hello Kitty? LOVE it. I was born in the year of the rat -- I think I may need one of those!

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  12. Red Geranium CottageDecember 31, 2007 at 11:06 PM

    That little Mouse is sooo cute. Love Hello Kitty

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