So, the last entry was written from high above the ocean. This one is written from relatively high above the ground in Osaka.
When the plane finally touched down, I've got to admit that my first impression of the exotic lands of Japan was "Hmmm, this looks pretty much like Los Angeles." When I left L.A., the weather was foggy, and you couldn't see any of the hills around the place until you were right on top of them. Osaka was just the same today (although I'm told that normally the air is quite clear). Customs wasn't a problem, once they went through two of my five bags (three are small carry-on items). In fact, getting on the bus wasn't even a problem. The drivers and porters just tagged my big bags and loaded them into a luggage area under the bus. No problem! The drive was uneventful, although a great deal of the scenery on the way to the hotel is very much like it was around my old stomping grounds when I was growing up: Lots of oil refineries. The city reminds me a bit of New York, except that the buildings are generally smaller, and of a wide variety of styles, all mixed up. It's quite some time since I've seen a 10+ story building that's covered with 4-6" tile.
The hotel is everything one would envision a Ritz-Carlton would be. The room is fantastic. Beautifully furnished, with all the trimmings. The bathroom has two sinks, a separate bathtub and shower, and a toilet with a control panel (seat heater, bidet, bottom washer, and temperature and pressure controls for everything), for heaven's sake! It's on the 26th floor with a corner view overlooking the city. I think it faces the ocean, but I can't see for the fog. It's too bad that I'll have to leave the room after two weeks. Chances aren't good that I'll get another one this cool.
Sticker shock is already sinking in. Room service is out of the question. Try these: 1/2 grapefruit: $10.00; Continental Breakfast: $25.00 (although we get it discounted to the bargain price of only $20.00); Coffee: $11.00; Chicken Tacos (the cheapest main dish): $29.00. However, there are more reasonable prices available away from the hotel. The problem is that most places don't have English descriptions on their menus. There's no guarantee that I'll be capable of ordering anything with any assurance that I'll know what I'm going to get. Most places do have that fake food in display cases in front of the restaurant, though. Luckily, after I got hungry enough this evening, I decided that I'd drag a waiter outside and point at what I wanted if I had to. As it turned out, before I was even seated, the waiter took me outside to order from the display. Thank God! Is was getting hungry and depressed, thinking I was going to starve just because I wouldn't be able to order anything. I'm normally pretty adventuresome with food, but I don't know if I'm quite up to picking things at random over here. There's some pretty wierd stuff around!
OK, closing for now. I've been awake for about 24 hours, and am ready to go to bed. Tomorrow, it's off to the job site!