Kobe, Sat Night, March 3

Strolling into Kobe without a worry on the mind, looking forward to soaking in a tub after a hard day of here and all the way over there sightseeing, we were anxious to get to know this eclectic port city. Architecture, restuarants and side street cafes were at first glance already known to be influenced by non-Japanese tastes. A quaint Hong-Kong, or I may just be saying that becuase it is built on a Hong Kong-like steep slope.



The only Japanese city that I have ever been to that actually confuses the visitor as to what country they are in. I can make this detailed first impression because a lot of my time was spent doing a snake path up the steep terrain in search for accomodation. Cheap hotels- zero chance. How about the staple fall-back, the love hotel? Although the room with the replicated jail bars and shackles were enticing (can you believe that?), the prices and times didn't work. What Kobe lacked in hotels it made up for in character. Finally, a jolly-dimpled Japanese guy saved the day at a youth hostel, and at a very good price, with a spectacular view, and hike to the view.

After settling in we skipped down the steep mountain, salivating for Kobe beef. But that thought was interrupted as live jazz music lured our ears and taste buds to a restaurant. In Japanese, beef was written on the menu.

"Is this Kobe beef," I asked. "No, it's Australian or something, we don't carry Kobe beef."

That was the tenth time that I either read or heard that in the same night.

What's a girl gotta do to get affordable Kobe beef in Kobe? Oh well, maybe tomorrow.

After a night in a new city, I have learned:

1. There is barely any Kobe beef in Kobe.
2. Kobe likes nudey bars.
3. Many cute western shops and a quaint atmosphere
4. Too much walking in one day leads to holey socks.