Japan 2009 or the Story of a Trip to the Other Side of The World - Introduction (I)
A friend of mine has recently asked me why on earth I've decided to Japan. After all, Japan (namely Tokyo), has been considered a very expensive destination. It's across the world and let's consider it, there are a lot of potentially more interesting summer destinations. I've heard that Mexico is quite cheap these days.
But Japan is Japan.
And it's different.
My decision was based on two very different factors. Distance and Culture.
Distance came first. I needed (and still need) to get away. Vacation is rather spoiled when you're close to home. Europe is just too close. And by close, I don't mean kilometers (or miles, for you Americans). It all comes down to time zone differences. Oh yeah, the ultimate excuse for the perfect vacation away from the office is... you've guessed it... time zone differences.
It's the only way you can tell your boss and your colleagues that you won't be getting back to them or answering calls. It's simple undoable. You'll be sleeping when they're working and seeing the sights while they sleep. So, no way you can take care of those urgent calls and emails.
So, going long distance was a priority. Now, having decided on that, options became limited. These were my top 5 destinations.
Argentina
I'm dying to go Argentina. Brazil is usually the destination for the masses here in Portugal and being a black sheep, I could only choose on Argentina. But, going to South America has to be more than just Buenos Aires. I've got my eye on Tierra del Fuego, but that's the sort of trip I need 3 or 4 weeks to make it worthwhile.
And this time, I've only got 2 weeks to enjoy. So, next time.
South Africa
I've been to South Africa on a quick 36 hour journey to Kruger, while on a week long trip to Maputo in Mozambique. I immediately became a fan of the Kruger and vowed to return for a longer time. But South Africa and the Kruger is the type of vacation you need to go on with a big group of people. It's just a lot more fun.
And this time, I'm travelling alone (more on that below).
Australia
The land down under. Sydney, Melbourne (and why not a quick visit to Auckland in New Zealand) and obviously, the Rock. Problem is, it's out of my current budget. And the fact that it's a 30 hr trip, I've decided to forgo on this one. For now.
USA
This one is high on my list. There is currently a great promotion on flights direct to New York. And my list of interests in the US East Coast only tends to grow (Washington DC, New York, Miami, Boston, New Hampshire and so on.
But... well... everyone is going there. And it wasn't challenging enough for me (more on that below, too). So, Jason, I'm keeping my promise. I'll go the US, now that Barack has taken the Presidency. But I've got to find myself a good health insurance, after I've seen Sicko.
Japan
Japan is one of those destinations that has been on my mind for a long time now. For several reasons, I'm attracted to the Japanese culture, from Confucianism to the Japanese gardens. I love the language, and yet I don't know a single word. And I was eager to find an opportunity to learn more.
So, when deciding where to go, budget played a very important role. I found a very good flight (via London) from British Airways and went for it. As for accommodation, I went to my very trusted booking site, Accomline. Having been using it for the past 8 years, and accumulating credit over time, I managed a great discount on the already exceptional prices they have.
But the major reason that made me decide on Japan is really the fear that this decision creates. It's a big trip, in a sense that one is travelling alone (we're almost there) to the other side of the world, to a country where foreigners are still very foreign, where one has absolutely no understanding of the language and the cultural differences are really grand. I call it shock therapy, creating this fear and knowing how uncomfortable I will feel there.
But, from time to time, we all need this shock therapies. It helps us release ourselves from the obstacles that life has created upon us.
The last time I did this, I was 21. The year was 2000 and over that summer I decided to jump from an airplane (don't worry, I had a parachute). It was a very emotional decision (I'm a very rational guy, for those who don't know me well). It was Friday, I was at work and just thought that it would be crazy to go parachuting. I made some calls, booked a training session for that same weekend at the Aero Clube de Évora and went home. Grabbed my gear and took the bus to Évora. The very next day I was being trained and on Sunday made 3 jumps.
I've never been so scared in my life as when I took that first jump.
After that, everything just seems doable, achievable. And that's why I did it.
And now it's time for something on the same level. That is why I'm going alone. Travelling alone allows for a greater level of involvement into a country's culture. And allows for greater flexibility.
So, Japan is my destination on August 19th (returning on the 28th). It's a short trip, but one that will allow for some very interesting adventures and insights into the Japanese culture.
I'll be sharing this summer adventure here and will try to post from Tokyo (they've got free broadband Internet access included in the hotel), including pictures and videos, just to make you all jealous.
Comments, suggestions, tips are all very welcome.
And be advised... Tokyo is 9 hours ahead !
