A Year in Review with Instagram

It's almost the end of the year and before I go on hiatus for my return to Australia for the Christmas period, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on some of my adventures this year with some of my favourite Instagrams from 2012...

Travel Log: Osaka

If you were paying attention to my Instagram channel last weekend, you would know that I spent the long weekend in Osaka. I think I've found my new favourite city! I had been to Osaka once five years ago on a day trip from Kyoto during a long vacation in Japan but didn't think much of it at the time. But actually staying in Osaka and experiencing its amazing neon shopping arcades by night changed that perspective pretty quickly. Osaka is home to some amazing cuisine and some really laid back people. The Japanese way is the conservative way but as it was stinking hot, I noticed Osakans everywhere were adorning lighter and more risqué apparel than I was used to. And I loved it! It was like being back in Aus! Find out more of what I got up to after the jump... But be warned, this is going to be a long post!

T.G.I.F.: Kumata Shrine Summer Festival

Osaka... the home of great food and great people. The weekend, Osaka is home to another interesting summer festival; the Kumata Shrine Summer Festival. This festival is the largest float festival in Osaka city and announces the coming of mid-summer. Of particular note is the parade of mikoshi (portable shrines) held on the 14th. Check it out! Click on the image below for more information...