| Tuesday, March 11, 2008 |
| Konnichi wa! |
I am back! I sooo want to post stuff about my Japan trip already, pero since maarte ako, hindi muna ako magpopost, kasi gusto ko with pictures and hindi pa nauupload ang lahat ng pictures namin. Thank God talaga we are now in the digital age, kundi mamumulubi ako sa kakapaprint ng milyon milyon na 3R photos.
This isn't the first time I said 'I want to go back/live here!' but something makes Japan so special. Maybe its because I've been fascinated by this country ever since Voltes 5 and Shaider became every kid's best friend; or maybe when I fell in love with my first anime character (ohhhh yes... hehe). Whatever it was, it really stuck with me.
It may help to explain that this also has got to be my most productive, not to mention longest trip ever, in the sense that there weren't too many hassles at work; I met a lot of people (new friends and relatives - in a different setting); and I managed to see a lot of places given time and scheduling conflicts. It was really one hell of a trip, and I am clearly not yet over it!
Some things I learned along the way:
1) People aren't kidding when they said the Japenese were efficient: When you go to the toilet, you literally only need to pull down your pants, do your business and go! Everything inside is automated - the toilet seat heats automatically; you can wash and dry your bottoms at the push of a button; and of course we all know the flush is automatically triggered by some sensor when you get up from the toilet seat. But can you believe they also have an automated trash can!? Just hover your hand over the lid and it slides up to open so you can throw your tissue in.
2) Japanese are not all work and no play: They have a lot of places open until the wee hours of the morning, even during weekdays. Some shopping districts close at 12 mn; some restaurants close only at 2 am or do not close at all; and bars/clubs come alive between 12 mn - 5 am. Actually, it makes you wonder when they find time to work.
3) Do not visit parks/gardens in February/March: Otherwise, you'll be taking pictures of nothing but empty branches! Winter season transitions into spring between March and April. So if you're travelling there during winter, make sure to take out parks/gardens from your itinerary.
4) Not all Cherry blossoms/Sakura (Japanese national flower) are Cherry blossoms: Some are actually plum flowers, or Ume, which I just googled, blooms several weeks ahead of the Cherry blossoms and serves as an early sign of Spring. Needless to say, I woke up one cold morning at my cousin's place to find this beautiful tree in bloom. I thought I hit the jackpot until my cousin told me it was only Ume. But anyway, it was still pretty. =)
Cherry Blossoms/Sakura
Plum Flower/Ume
5) Temperature is never a hindrance to fashion: Despite the below 10-degree weather there, a lot of cheeky chicks still wore skimpy skirts over thin stockings or knee-length socks, and boots. (While I played the perpetual fashion victim kasi lagi akong balot na balot ng long sleeved shirt, leggings, pants, socks, coat, scarf, gloves and cap!)
6) Bring lots and lots of lotion! (if visiting during winter): I didn't bring any lotion on this trip because I wanted to 'travel light' so I removed all unnecessary items or items i can get there. I was expecting the hotel to provide some lotion but for some reason the room I was in didn't have any. By the third day of having a warm daily bath and cold cold surroundings, my arms and legs started to get dry, whitish and itchy. The skin on the knuckles of my thumb and point finger turned reddish and cracked up, leaving me with small papercut-like cuts.
7) Trust and Honesty are not yet lost virtues: In one fit of tipsyness, I dropped my wallet in a taxi on the way back to our place. It didn't contain much except for a few bills and some receipts (which I needed!) Luckily, every taxi can print a receipt (Nihonggo: Recito), and the number of the cab company is printed there as well. So the hotel called the cab company, located the driver, and delivered my wallet 15 minutes later in my room. The taxi driver didn't even ask for his meter to be paid upon driving back to the hotel! Walking down the streets is quite a treat too, as you don't need to worry about snatchers or pick pockets.
Hmmm madami pa, pero mahaba haba na ito. To be continued. =) |
posted by Tami @ 11:55 PM
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| 2 Comments: |
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may nabili ka ba galing sa Japan?
tignan mo ang presyo nito.
Ayan. Alam mo na kung saan nagmula ang akin pangalan.
Sa presyo. haha!!! =D
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Hahaha hindi ko naisip kung san galing name mo, pero oo nga noh! buti na lang di ka pinangalanang Ringgit (Malaysia) or Riyadh.. hehe =P
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may nabili ka ba galing sa Japan?
tignan mo ang presyo nito.
Ayan. Alam mo na kung saan nagmula ang akin pangalan.
Sa presyo. haha!!! =D