Welcoming everyone back from homestay on Sunday morning I really wasn't sure what to expect, but I was so relieved to see the big smiles and excited chatter as everyone shared their stories. It was time to get on the road once more so we boarded the bus bound for Takarazuka, home of the famous all female revue. Our initial intention had been to see the revue, but despite our best efforts the tickets had sold out within a matter of hours when first released so we were left to find an alternative plan. We started with a lovely lunch at Takarazuka Hotel although I must confess personal disappointment that our meal did not include the chocolate fountain that grabbed our attention both by sight and amazing aroma as we walked in the door. From there we walked to the Tezuka Osamu Museum, which shows all of the wonderful character creations of this godfather of anime. After a walk around the museum and a thousand photos with Astro Boy it was time make our way to the ball game. Yes, baseball is one of the most popular sports in Japan and a little bit of drizzle was not going to dampen our excitement. The famous Hanshin Tigers were playing at their home ground Koshien Stadium and it was easy to see that the Tigers fans far outnumbered the Swallows'. Team Members, Tereena and Vince, got kitted out somehow just as we were walking to the stadium - that truly was shopping efficiency! Once inside the atmosphere was electric. There was constant clapping and cheering going on, but not in a random, haphazard manner. The clapping routines and cheer songs seemed to be automatically understood by the entire audience and we quickly fell into step. At the end of certain innings the entire crowd blew up balloon whistles, which were then released on cue to a loud roar. I must confess to knowing only the very basic details of baseball, but I found myself getting well and truly caught up in the feverish excitement. Dinner was a sushi extravaganza followed by a stroll through Kobe Harbourland, the perfect spot for any romantic at heart. Ahhh...I feel a twinge of sadness as I now think of leaving Kobe, which has been home for the last 8 days. What a beautiful city and what amazing hospitality we have received. PS: Congratulations to Jemma for surviving her day in the sash...she was not at all comfortable being on display, but we thought she looked like Miss Australia... :)
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