like most people, i have a list of places i would like to see before i pass on. my list contains mostly islands:
japan
new zealand
ireland
madagascar
redwood forest in california
sweden
holland
i've been to both holland and the redwood forests, but at such a young age and for so little time that i would like to revisit them.
well, i've decided that my main goal for this year is to go to japan in the fall. i'm learning survival japanese on my ipod, figuring out the rail systems, making lists of things to take, editing said list, turning my wardrobe into a minimalist masterpiece so as to save room in small suitcase, purchasing a small suitcase, renewing passport, searching out hostels to stay at, researching places to go while in tokyo and kyoto, walking to get in shape, and suppressing my obsessive tendencies so that i can last the 8.5 months until i depart.
i'm going by myself and i'm thrilled to be doing it! i can sink myself into the culture as much as i want, practice my japanese without embarrassment and see beautiful places at my own pace; all without someone else to please or be considerate of.
i would like to visit a few places in particular while i'm there:
takashimaya department store
honkenishio yatsuhashi
if there are any suggestions you may have for someplace to see while i'm in kyoto or tokyo, or any helpful ideas on things i absolutely must bring, please leave a comment! thanks!
