An old lady in a dango shop

Today is an unexpected rest day. We went through a dodgy part of town on our way to our hostel when we saw a crowd of policemen reprimanding a group young punks. This is a scene that, even after visiting Japan more than 10 times and travelling north to south twice, I've ever only seen once. And this in Osaka. Perhaps casualness and passion comes with an intrinsic price?

Making our 'sengoku' war banner to be carried on our backpacks!!! Everyone here at @osakaguesthousenest have been really warm and supportive of our adventure! Their cheers and encouragement brings a smile to all our faces. It has been a food time in Osaka!

We had an eventful rest day at the Osaka Guesthouse Nest. People were very warm and friendly and the place was clean and cozy too! We spent our whole day fixing our website and preparing our 'war banners'. Why do I have this feeling we will embarrass ourselves! We seem to have a penchant for that!

People in Osaka behave in more extremes than the rest of Japan. There seems to be less reservation and care about how they come across, so their expression is alot more carefree and open. Aside from the wonderful people at the hostel, we also met a wonderful old lady at the dango shop. Dango is a Japanese desert made of chewy mochi rice sprinkled with soy bean powder. Oh so yummylicious!

We went in to buy a small box of dango but ended up with three times more; a gift from the kindly obasan and a big cheer from her for our journey ahead!

- Michelle Yang