We didn't give ourselves that much time in Osaka and had read that the primary things to do revolved around eating and partying- both of which weren't at the top of our list after many exhausting, long days exploring Tokyo and Kyoto. We arrived in the afternoon on a Friday and decided to spend the day at the Osaka castle. The grounds were beautiful and we walked all around and even ate food at the dining area on the property. Osaka is famous for takoyaki and despite it being available in each city we visited, I wanted to wait to try it for my first time in Japan in the city in which it was born. I was not disappointed but by that time I was little tired of rice products. Needless to say, I wont be eating much rice for awhile.
The next day we planned to leave early and head straight to Universal Studios so we headed back to our hotel before 8pm- Hotel She- which was awesome by the way, and went to bed after finishing up the third Indiana Jones movie ( after the ride was my favorite overall, Chris found out I had never seen the movies, freaked out, and the marathon began!).
At Universal Studios I finally got to experience Harry Potter World. For those of you who dont know- I am a huge fan. When I first walked into Hogsmeade I got goosebumps all over. I felt like a child finally seeing it all come to life. After spending some time walking around I realized the world I had created in my mind when reading the book and the world in the film was definitely far superior. However, I'm glad I finally got to go and experience the two rides!
All in all, going to Japan with a guy I barely knew turned out to be the best decision I've ever made. We had a blast, saw some incredible things, tasted some incredible things, and will have memories and photos to last a lifetime. I also found a new great travel buddy! Clearly, we got to know each other well over the past few months and he's pretty special :)
Sometimes we have to take risks. Do things that make us feel uncomfortable. Do things where we have no idea what the outcome could be and that are completely out of character. We have to learn how to read people and situations and take gambles on those who seem worthwhile.
I have three days left in Hawaii and I have no idea what the future holds but doesnt that make life more exciting? It means I can make it whatever I want it to be and never have to stop dreaming.