St Mary's Cathedral

What does 22000 steps do to one's body?

It certainly makes one feel sore the next day. Hmm...perhaps the younger folk will not feel the same way.

Our day started with boiled sweet potatoes, canned sardines and pork infused with the ever moreish sauce.

During this time we searched online for a local Mass in English. God was bountiful - St Mary's Cathedral offered one. We also searched for illuminations (Christmas lights display) near Dotonburi, a food and shopping mecca we hoped to visit later in the evening.

On the way to church we passed by Naniwanomiyato Park. Plenty of families enjoying the open space. We saw an old akita dog being tenderly cradled by a middle aged Japanese woman, who then laid it carefully in a baby's stroller. We were all touched by this. There were a social group with dogs, some individuals reading their book, some relaxing in their made-up hammock and some others having a meal, conversing or playing games with their kids.

The church was full of Filipinos, the priest included. He talked about the signs of the times. He was saying that although the world as we know it WILL end five hundred years from now, we should not be apathetic and consider doing our part to preserve it for future generations. His manner was patriarchal and his message fatalistic. We were hoping for something uplifting to celebrate our reunion.

We all agreed that somehow their Hostia had a scrumptious flavour and we wouldn't mind going back to the end of the line and have another sampling. Perhaps some umami had found its way into the preparation. Mom thought of bringing some home to give to our close family friend, who is also a clergyman.Read more