Goodbye Japan...

JAPAN DAY 5: Realizing that it was our last day in Japan, we all jumped out of bed, quickly packed our enormous backpacks again, and headed for the streets of Osaka.  We were in a desperate search for touristy souvenirs but left Japan only mildly successful.  For some reason, the country is full of trinkets but none that fit our collection criteria (a hat, a patch, a flag and a magnet).  After roaming the Dotombori-Dori district and making a stop at Starbucks for a morning coffee, we made our way to the subway for our quick ride over to Kobe.  We all couldn’t wait for a delicious Kobe Beef lunch.  On the Bullet Train there we scanned our trusty guide book for the most recommended Kobe Beef spot in town.  After getting off the train and catching a cab to our chosen destination, we were sad to see that it was closed.  Instead, we found a great little spot just around the corner that fully satisfied our desire.  While the meal quickly stripped us of our remaining Yen to spend on souvenirs, we left with full stomachs and happy taste buds.  For our final hours in Japan we walked around the city stopping in every other store desperately looking for trinkets.  I ended up with a crazy American hat, 7 bags of mini Oreos, and a really cool wall hanging sign that says ‘Business Prosperity’ in Japanese.  Our day ended after 4pm when we basically crawled to our rooms took showers and slept for the next two days.  Now, I am fully rested and antsy to get off the ship in just 12 hours in China!!!