I Am Lord Vader, Welcome To My Humble Abode.

The Umeda Sky Building. Pic found online.
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Our host  in Osaka (herein after known as Lord Vader) was very unique.  He was a very sweet chap, who took spectacular photos (something which allowed for a couple of hours of conversation).  In addition to this skill, he was most definitely an accomplished nerd of the utmost force.

Every week, he hosts a "Kung Fu Tuesday," at his pad, which consists of a bunch of his buddies assembling around the TV for the pick of the week video, dressing up like the charaters from the chosen film.  As nerdy as it sounds however, I must admit that he sold the idea so well that I was keen on introducing a similar themed evening to Yeosu.  Azeem flinched at the idea, and replied rather dryly:  "Yes, how exciting."

Azeem flinched at the idea, and replied rather dryly: "Yes, how exciting."

Visual art of Universal Studios. Pic found online.
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Lord Vader introduced me to some of the quirkier sides of Japan:  Gothic Lolitas, Visual K Bands and Mos Burger.  We'd seen a lot of these around, but had no idea of what role they played in Japanese society.  Look each up if you get the chance.

Osaka is definitely not a city which is geared for tourism.  Altough there isn't much to do, I really loved every minute of it.  It has a special vibe about it which just draws you in.  After getting a panoramic view of Osaka from atop the Umeda Sky Building, we headed out and had a drink in the party district.

Typical Gothic Lolitas. Pic found online.
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Universal Studios:  Day 2

Despite the hefty entrance fee (almost R600), Azeem and I bit our lips and headed for the theme park to end all theme parks, Universal Studios.  The rides are absolutely awesome!  Most are 3D visual effects which leave you feeling as if you are a character in a film.

The spiderman ride was best.  You felt like you were in the car as it was thrust over a building, caught by spiderman, and and eventually laid to rest safely at the end.  Villains landed on the car bonnet, and reached out for you...it really felt like they were 2cm from your face.  My only complaint would be that we went to it in the wrong country.  A lot of the lines had videos and actors doing things in Japanese so that the wait time wasn't such a drag.  Would've been great to have it in English.  A great day overall though.

Athough Lord Vader had offered his pad for a third night, we returned to Shoji in Kyoto, as we needed a place to stay the night after too.  Vader had made it clear this was not a possibility owing to the fact it would be a ritual Kung Fu Tuesday...