Last summer, Idel and I went to a candle light-up in Minoo somewhere in the outskirts of Osaka. Before going home today, we went to another candle showcase right in the heart of Osaka City. It’s really chilly but the candle displays are really worth it. Good thing it was not so crowded. But, my cellphone did it again: it gave me that “heat warning” message so I managed to take only a few pictures, two of these I got from Idel:

I could look at Osaka Castle’s beauty as often as I want, from the ladies’ toilet. But, I couldn’t let the autumn gone without taking a closer look at Osaka Castle Park. Yesterday, I was able to spare 30 minutes of my time and took as many pictures as my cellphone memory allowed. The autumn colors are really enchanting. I hope you’ll also enjoy the views:

Japanese are honest and disciplined. They never violate rules. This was how I see all of them until I came here in Osaka.

On the day of my arrival, my manager and his wife led me to my apartment. Along the way, I noticed areas with “No Parking” signs flooded with bicycles and motorbikes. My manager probably noticed my bewilderment because he voluntarily said that in Osaka, people are behaving like Filipinos, especially when it comes to traffic rules.

Having stayed in Osaka for over a year, I’d have to say that many people here are traffic violators. They’re doing it… so why shouldn’t I? Nah, I only go against traffic lights in minor and deserted roads. And I don’t usually illegally park my bicycle. It’s really awkward seeing them cross the street while I, a foreigner, patiently wait for the pedestrian traffic light to turn green. I’ve also seen many drivers beating the red light. Above all, it’s scary and irritating to see many of them occupied with their cellphones while bicycling! Once, I was behind a lady punching her cellphone’s keypad while bicycling through a 1.5-meter wide tunnel. She didn’t stop even if she’d already bumped into the wall several times!

Filipino-style? I don’t really think so. In Cebu, for example, traffic enforcers are always ready to catch violators and collect penalties. I don’t want to part with some Pesos so I don’t violate traffic rules there. ^-^

Hanabi (??? or fireworks, is my favorite event in Japan and last night was my second hanabi experience here in Osaka.
Unexpectedly, as opposed to last year’s all-Filipino group, three Japanese joined us last night. Although the place we were sitting on was not so good because tall grasses and bushes covered the lower portion of our view, it was still fun. Everyone was in festive mood.
As usual, the fireworks were magnificent but I wasn’t able to get a video nor a decent picture! I hope I could bring a powerful camera next year.

Here are my petty attempts at taking pictures using my cellphone’s camera, with a little help from its little flash ^-^:

* See Ana Mae’s blog for the details on last year’s Yodo River Fireworks.
* JaPinoys = Japanese + Pinoys (Filipinos)