Like most tourists to Osaka I visited the castle today. My walking was terrible however, probably about 1km / hr. Nothing for it fellow coma victims, just time for the brain to rebuild. Japan is a most excellent country, the people appear quite friendly, if only I could understand them. First stop was Hiroshima, a nice place too especially when one considers the atomic bomb. My word you wouldn’t know now what happened there. Centrally the city has been rebuilt, there are places however that remember the past, the peace memorial for one. The first hotel in Osaka was appalling and I had to change. I’m now at the Imperial hotel which is great compared to the first. Sashimi dinner here last night was absolutely fantastic, amazing. I have always thought Japanese food the best in the world, along with French, both cuisines are so focussed on flavour and presentation, artistry. Travelers often say that the best way to experience a culture is through the food. I’ve always been interested in trying local delicacies when traveling and love the food here. Sashimi is one of my favourites dishes in the world. Last nights perhaps the best I’ve ever had, can’t wait for tonights dinner. Same again I suspect, but I also had a French inspired dish last night, foi gras, I love that dish too.

The following day I went to Dotonbori, another great place, a little like a Chinatown in many cities, alleyways with street level shops, my walking only slightly improved from the castle. It always goes up and down my walking, after 5 years I still can’t relate to my right leg although the downs seem to be becoming less severe, the ups more frequent.