Today we were supposed to be learning the Buddhist way and to have minimal possessions. Instead we’re checked into a gorgeous 5 star minimalistic hotel.. This makes me content and zen like. I have no stresses.
We took the bullet train from Hiroshima to Ōsaka and got to our hotel before our room was ready. Rather than look after our bags and tell us to come back, they showed us to the executive lounge on the 39th floor and gave us free drinks and snacks. See - no stress. After a couple of coffees they told us our room was ready and gave us the key. Our room was a corner room on the 35th floor. As soon as the door opened, the curtains automatically opened to reveal floor to ceiling windows overlooking Ōsaka. It was stunning. Still no stress.
After discovering I could control the lights, air-con and curtains from the interactive control panel next to the bed, stress free, we headed down to grab some lunch, in the stunning lounge.
Pondering our afternoon activities we decided to hit the subway to the America-mura district. Coincidentally it was about 200m from the Apple store in Ōsaka. After some quick work (server connectivity issue - fortunately I was not in a Buddhist monastery cut off from the outside world so I could resolve it - that would’ve been stressful!) we wandered back through the America-mura district to the underground.
The America-mura district was very interesting, full of trendy small shops selling trainers, hats, t-shirts. Carol-Ann likened it to Camden Market. It was also the only place we’ve seen any graffiti, or litter!
Back at the hotel we went for a swim in the beautiful 40m swimming pool, on the 37th floor. I don’t think I could’ve been any more chilled. After half an hour or so we decided to head back. On leaving the changing rooms we were met by the gym/swimming staff giving us free shampoo and conditioner! He then disappeared back towards the pool. We walked along the corridor from the changing rooms, around the corner towards the lift and the gym/pool attendant was there! He was either a ninja or had discovered such zen-like abilities he could walk through walls!
That pretty much sums up the day, we’re now back in the executive lounge having free bar drinks and canapés and you know what? I’m not stressed. I’m totally zen..
