Turning Japanese
I failed to log in for six days. My Aunt and her friends visited me during that time - - I was with the young-once club of Chinois. I brought them to shopping areas and downtown but failed to show them the business area - - considering that our house is only about a 10-minute walk from the business area.
Their first day, I drove them to downtown Namba, turned out to be a real blunder. Lunch time came, thinking this was my chance and a good reason to eat and indulge in Chinese cuisine, since I was on a diet, I could bring them there - - but I forget they were chinois - - . So, since they said they wanted to try some real authentic Japanese food (but I was informed before hand that they do not wish to eat sushi or sashimi), I ordered Japanese Curry for us. My guests did not complain. I thought everything was okay because they all finished their food. We strolled along the shopping alley when my Aunt saw the long queue of Takoyaki-lovers. Since there was a long queue of buyers, and not trusting my taste of food anymore, they said they wanted to try it. I ordered and bought a small portion for them. Thinking again that the food was okay because they did not complain nor said anything about the food - - we went to proceed to our shop hopping. Before the 3-o'clock habit, they said they want to go home because they were tired from walking. Since I had brought the car and probably having rested a bit they said they want to go to Hyaku-yen Shop. We went to the nearest Hyaku-yen shop closest to the house - - they enjoyed looking at the things there while I bought a furikake. Dinner time came and I served them homemade Japanese food plus the furikake. (Furikake is a Japanese rice topping/seasoning.) They liked it and then the truth came. They said they did not like the curry that we had and the takoyaki but loved my cooking. Did I hear it right?
The following day, we took the train to Umeda area. Window-shopped at Daimaru. I didn't recommend anything anymore for lunch. I just asked them what they lwant to eat with from all the choices that was on display. We ended up in a French-Japanese Restaurant. Good choice.
Third day was at Lalaport. Lalaport is the biggest mall in Kansai. But before going to Lalaport, I brought them to my bestfriend's house -- Anna (I am used to calling her B, short for Banana), B lives in a typical Japanese mansion and she joined us to go to Lalaport. We went around and saw that the food choices were great - - but we settled for gratin. B ordered okonomiyaki. They tasted it and their palate were satisfied.
Fourth and last day, we overslept a bit and went out to go to Osaka Castle in the afternoon. It was another long walk. Osaka Castle is the symbol of Osaka. It is a must-see or a must-go to tourist spot for every tourist visiting the city. They bought souvenirs and had a lot of photos taken from the granduer spot -- the Chinois turning Japanese.
All in all, they had a good trip and I had fun, too. Their stay with me made me forget my problems.
