Osaka

The sun was finally out but the temperature remained at about 16-19 C, Nice !!! (Natural air-conditioning !!!). With an early sunrise (about 5am), there was a little more life compared to the witches-hour when we arrived. A quick walk around the hotel, hunting for "food" was not too encouraging. The real makan places start at 10am leaving only the little coffee places with some kueh-kueh stuff for the early morning workers rush to start their day. Found out too that KOSHIEN was also also home to one of their Baseball Team, the KOSHIEN TIGERS.

The nearby shopping centre (beside the hotel) provided a glimpse of what items we are likely to see for the next couple of days and its related price range). With a matching "Orange" handbag and a new coat with hood, ET (the wife) was ready to meet the "cool" japanese holiday challenge.

Recommended by almost all tourist brochures, the iconic OSAKA CASTLE is a must for a trip to OSAKA. Osaka Castle -a symbol of Osaka, which has been handed down through the dramas in history to the present day. It is widely known as an emblem of the power and fortune of Hideyoshi Toyotomi. Construction began in 1583 at the former site of Honganji Temple. The magnificent castle, which was reputed as being unparalleled in the country, was the stronghold of his times and had succeeded in quelling the wars which lasted for more than a century, thereby unifying the entire nation. 

The large castle ground, lined with water features and plants gave the castle, it scenic contribution to the Japanese culture/tradition, amidst the tall modern office building that is surrounding it. Now a venue for tourists, photo-shoot for wedding couples or just family outings.

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Seen from the 40th floor of the Umeda Sky Building, the night scene of OSAKA that offers a 360 C view of the city after sunset. Open air concept with little obstructions provided a panoramic view of lights all round. Cool wind sets the environment for quiet time to embrace the majestic scene from way above.

Whilst its dark at street level, the network of underground shopping alley and eateries remain a high tempo venue for the centre, be it for tourists making their rounds or officers workers ending their day. Taking a fix to locate oneself can be challenge in the many tunnels of walkways.

OSAKA has its own charm and character. It takes a while for it to sink in but it depicted the Japanese lifestyle of work & play within walking (or train network) system.

Next stop .... KYOTO !!!

Greeted by Typhoon Wipha

SQ 616 landing at Kansai International Airport on 15 Oct 13 (2115 hrs), saw the start of a 8-day discovery adventure of OSAKA, KYOTO & KOBE. Arriving just after 2115 hrs, made our way from the airport to catch the 65-min express train to OSAKA STATION via the Kansai-Airport Line. From there, dragged the bags to the UMEDA STATION to board the HANSHIN MAIN LINE train to a rather remote KOSHIEN STATION some 15 min away. As it was an expressed train, it skipped some smaller stations along the way thus the thought of it skipping the designated station added to the anxiety.

The rain from Typhoon Wipha did not help the situation. Cold wind and dark alleys from the remote KOSHIEN STATION, with no one around to ask for directions made the start of the trip a rather chilly one. A lone guy waiting for someone (with a little understanding of English) pointed to the general direction of where NOVOTEL KOSHIEN was.

By the time we reached the hotel to check-in, it was already past midnight. With the "All Day Dinning" closed and no possibility of room service, the hot cup of coffee and a leftover biscuit from the flight concluded the end of our first day in OSAKA, JAPAN.

Turkish Delights

Held at the Turkish Military Museum at Istanbul, Turkey from 7-9 Oct 13, saw more than 120 participants to address multi-national and trans-boundary cooperation / coordination among stakeholders in the areas of Maritime Security. The host, MARSEC COE (Turkey) put together a 3-day programme/workshop ranging from presentations from International Organisations, Military experts, government agencies, academics and commercial entities to military museum tours and a sunset cruise. Accommodated at the Hirbiye Officers' Club in central Istanbul was by itself an experience at the Turkish capital.

Whilst the formal part of the 3-day programme was like most workshops/forums, the cruise along the straits separating the European side of Turkey with the Asian side of Turkey was an unique one. The well sheltered straits saw the bustling turkish lifestyle with beautiful (& expensive) houses along the waterway, lined with eateries and hotels. The 2+ hr cruise sailed into the sunset, presenting to the participants its day and night scenes.

Rich in its history from days of the Mongolians to the Persian Empire and the Crusades, many historical sites blend itself into the daily turkish lifestyle. An old fort, castles, places of worship, etc has its own story and legend to tell.

At the Military Museum, there was also a performance by traditional turkish military band which played several musical pieces that were popular among the military personnel. Many retired servicemen were seen singing along whilst standing proudly to be part of their long standing culture/tradition.

Many new friends were made / renewed. Among these was Mr Christian Dupont from the European Commission whom I had the previlage to first meet at him Brussels in 2008. Had a good chat with him on the progress made since our first meeting to our current state where some form of collaborations are being worked out.

The overall experience was certainly unique and has added a new meaning to "Turkish Delights" !!!