Right now, we’re about 40,000 ft above the Pacific Ocean, on our way to Osaka. I had imagined that before this trip, I would have researched the history of Osaka. Learned about the local architecture. Looked up the best restaurants for okonomiyaki. Found the best kid-friendly attractions.

But it’s been a crazy week. Last Friday, they dropped off all our household goods at our new house (yay!). On Saturday, Duke and I were diagnosed with strep throat (boo!). On Sunday, Amelia came down with strep (boo!). On Monday, we checked out of the hotel (thank goodness we had the hotel for a few extra nights!). Our house is still buried in boxes, and I don’t know where anything is, but we’re all recovered now (thank you, antibiotics). And just in time to take advantage of Tim’s block of time off.

When we were thinking about what to do with this chance to travel, we felt giddy with the possibilities. Should we go to Palau? Yap? Honolulu? Japan? Saipan? Eventually, we decided on Osaka. We passed through Osaka briefly on our summer trip to Japan but didn’t really get a chance to explore. We felt like we left on a lot on the table in both Osaka and Kyoto. And I’ve had Osaka on the brain ever since we watched an Anthony Bourdain ‘No Reservations’ episode about Osaka. That was many, many years ago, but I’ve wanted to visit ever since then.

So, we’re 40,000 feet above the ocean, about an hour away from Osaka, and we’ve done very little research. But I do know that it’s Tadao Ando’s hometown, and Renzo Piano designed the terminal where we’ll land. I know that Osaka has a great Aquarium and a Ramen Museum. Nara is a short train ride away, with a park known for its abundance of docile deer. We have a hotel reservation near Dotonbori – where I’m hopeful we’ll find good okonomiyaki and takoyaki. If we’re lucky, all that is enough of a foundation to wing it.

We’re planning to head back on Saturday, and I’ll post pictures when we’re back. Until then, wish us luck!