Off to Osaka

October 27, 2013
Rodney figured one option for post-active duty was to use his G.I. Bill and go back to school. But, he also knew he'd need to take the GRE in order to enter graduate school (again). He did some research and learned he could take the pencil/paper test on-island, but results would take 2-3 months (which we really didn't have) or he could go to a testing center in Osaka to take the test online and receive the results in a matter of days. We opted for that route.

That would also allow us to make another trip to the mainland and mark off a couple more items on our bucket list!! So, we made our reservations on Peach Air and off we went!!

Water at the wingtips is how you depart Okinawa!

This Southwest Air Lines was definitely not the Southwest Air Lines we knew!

The Osaka airport made for some interesting sites....

it was the week of Halloween, after all!

Yep, a large Japanese pilgrim!!

We had done our research and knew there was a gem hiding in the HUGE underground shopping center that connects the airport with the trains and we found it!! There were two lines entering the store-- the one on the right was drinks only, the left was for donuts.

Rodney figured one of these would be good brain food before his test!

Our hotel was the tall building with the white writing at the top. The building in the foreground was a Catholic church with a nice little book and gift shop. We found a sweet little Japanese nativity there!

Our quaint little hotel room and view

The next morning, while Rodney was up on some high floor above this 7-11, I explored the neighborhood.

This crazy intersection was just a couple of blocks down. Trains above, cars below with 4-6 roads intersecting. And shopping and food trailers along the way!

This intersection right outside our hotel was also great for people watching.

(By the way-- I REALLY miss those drink machines!!)

A mail van!

When Rodney's test was (successfully!) completed, we ventured out to find the Osaka Castle, but first we needed to grab some lunch. So, we stopped at this walk-up McDonald's. The stairs to Rodney's left lead up to the seating area which is actually above the next shop! There's another food place above McD's.

When I stepped out to take the picture, I noticed a girl waiting to order step out, too. She nonchalantly threw up a peace sign for my picture! When I looked at the camera and realized what she'd done, I laughed and said, "Sugoi!!" (cool!) She grinned great big and giggled as she told her friend what she had done!

After lunch, we continued our adventure to the castle...