I left on Tueday November 14 on Air Canada Flight 35, direct from Vancouver to Osaka International Airport. The flight was a bit late in taking off due to a "clear fluid leaking from one of the wings". This fluid turned out to be water, or so we were told by the flight staff. The flight was long, but not too painful. I sat beside a woman who looked like she would turn green at more than one point during the flight, but who answered a few of my Japanese related questions when she was feeling up to it. The flight landed a bit later than scheduled, but I got through baggage and customs quickly...at which point I knew I was in Japan. An employee form Nova (the company I work for) was supposed to meet me in the arrivas area, but after a few laps around the foyer, I couldn't find awyone. After about 20 minutes I was predicting a long night in the airport, but just as I was having airport staff call my company, some one showed up. Along with 4 other teachers who had just arrived from the states, I went with our guide, Stella, on a bus ride to downtown Osaka...an area caled Namba. This area of town was really incredible. Narrow streets built just for walkers, amazing lights up and down the buildings on either side, restaurants, arcades and shops, and people everywhere. The other newbies andI were probably lucky that we didn't bump into anyone as we walked with our heads looking up and the lights above. The hotel we stayed at that night was equally impressive. The entrance was decorated with four giant heads (picture included), complete with feet (kind of light that milk commercial with the heads roling around on the bus...you know the one). Surprisingly, we were each put up in our own room; they were small, but nice. We headed out to explore and get a bite to eat after settling into the hotel. Following about a half hour of exploring, we decided on a restaurant. I had sushi (picture included). For some reason the rice was much shinier than it is at home....must have added to the flavour. We explored a bit more after dinner, but soon returned to the hotel to sleep off the jet lag.