reconnecting

Back in January, I got an email from cousin E.

The last time we saw this cousin was back in 2012.

Before that, was way way back when I was in high school (I think)...

Anyway, his email was to let us know that he and his family were coming to Japan in June.

After emailing a couple of times, we decided to meet yesterday.

Even if we met up in 2012, it was actually our first time to "hang out" with them.

Instead of eating at the shopping mall we met up at, we bought some bento and other items from a supermarket in the complex and had a makeshift picnic near the Osaka Castle.

I think they enjoyed checking out the pre-made food section at the supermarket too.

Then after walking through the castle, we walked around Dotombori and had an early dinner at Honke Ootako.

Takoyaki, yakisoba, okonomiyaki and other nibbles.

I think everyone had a nice time and I hope everyone had enough to eat.

side note: If you just want to eat takoyaki, Honke Ootako has a stand called Ootako around the corner from their shop. (as we left, we saw wait staff running orders of takoyaki from the stand to the shop)

I don't really care too much for takoyaki as the "innards" are always kinda undercooked for my liking, but this shop's takoyaki was delicious with huge pieces of tako (octopus) inside.

It was a blazing day, but I'm glad we got to spend some time reconnecting with them and I hope they enjoyed their visit to Osaka.

Thanks for a great day, E & Family!

Honke Ootako
1-1-6 Namba
Chuo, Osaka
Phone: 06.6213.1888
Hours: 11:30-23:00