So I'm finally working, first day yesterday went alright - actually quite enjoyable to see someone delighted to learn some new phrase or vocab. Somehow one of my clients got me to explain what a subprime mortgage is (yeah you trying that using really basic English...)

Anyway, one thing I've noticed is that no matter where you are in the city you are surrounded by sounds. From the bells of the train station around the corner, the buzz of the saws at the carpentry shop across the street to the annoying voice that loops welcome and the specials at the local supermarket. Sometimes its a little overwhelming and you wish everything would shut the hell up - one downside of having lots of sounds around is everyone tries to have a louder, more shrill or demented sound to gain the attention of the crowd.

Despite the ongoing visual and aural assaults thrown my way, the slightest sounds and smells are becoming strangely familiar. Walking out of the office for some air and seeing a giant robotic teddy bear standing next to some school girls jumping around on a Dance Revolution game at the corner of the street doesn't seem that bizzare anymore. Giggling Japanese girls, people dressed in outfits straight out of an alternative hippy heaven catalogue and the thundering sound of thousands of footsteps in train stations all feel like they should be here - if only to let me know I'm still in the City. Still so much to be seen, smelt, heard and had.

A truck drove past me advertising the debut mini-album of the band below, just an example of the randomness I see every day...



By the way, SoulFuckTry is a popular bar/club in Osaka. When you download the logo the file is actually called "rogo", Engrish 101...