the chaos of osaka

okay, it`s not chaotic really, but when you get right down to it...it`s crazy!! Packed full of buildings and people, the city is a rapid heart beat of life, never slowed. today is my second day here in the big city, and the excitement never ends. So last night josh and i were out and about in the outskirts of the city and...actually wait, let me explain something first. I live in the outskirts of Osaka city, in a little district called shoji, in the Ikuno ward. Not much happening there except for heavy gambling. It still has plenty of stuff to offer, but not that exciting. I`m actually thinking of moving out soon to a place closer to the city center.

that info aside, we were hanging out near some casinos after having some udon and checking out some signs that looked like love hotels. furthering our interest, we proceeded to go into the building and up the elevator. once on the top floor, all there was were 3 doors with different signs on them, such as `lonely hearts club` and silly names like that. There was also some really bad singing going on in one of the rooms, so we figured it was karaoke night. when we left, however, we noticed that many of the people hanging around all drove really nice cars, with tinted windows. Some of these gentlemen had long black coats, wore earpieces, and even had hookers attached to their arms. Yakuza much? Anyway, we decided at that point that it was in our best interest to leave, since one of the men was eyeing us and probably wondering what we were looking at. i was going to make him an offer he couldn`t refuse (500 yen to ride in his mercedes) but vetoed that idea quickly.

I have to say at this point in my two day existence in japan that it is very expensive. i bought a cell phone and am going to save some money by doing a pre paid service. i don`t plan on using it that much. also bought a surge protector for my flat, which only has ONE outlet. Yes, one. Another reason i`m considering the move idea.

Today was an informal meet up with some Nova employees. i met some new people...all very nice and from different parts of the planet themselves. we trekked down to dotonbori shopping district (waaaay bigger than the tippecanoe mall, HA!). I have some pictures that i will post on my flickr site soon. Also had a donut at mister donuts. for some reason the japanese populace find it acceptable to play really loud obnoxious music right by the entrance to every store...as if that will attract the customer? if you think the Abercrombie store is bad...try 700 stores all at once. yes, very loud, very busy. that`s the best way to describe it. yet, it`s still not chaotic really, because everyone just goes with the flow, and there is little commotion from the people walking around.

and that is the update to my life so far in japan. not sure what i`m doing tonight, might be going out to a club, though I don`t know how i`ll get home since subways stop at midnight. then again, if i`m that drunk, i probably don`t want to be near those tracks..HAHA!! take care all.