I have not obsessed nearly enough about the fact that I am going to Japan in ONE MONTH!! Generally, I begin counting down to amazing trips abroad absolutely months in advance, and while Japan has certainly been on my mind lately, I've had so much else going on distracting me from my usual vacation fixation. I seriously feel like I was just counting down to my New York trip, and that's already weeks in the past.
Also notable, is the fact that in one month I will be DONE with this stupid math class and will only have 8 weeks left in my masters program. So, really, June 25 will be an all around red letter day. Even the idea of spending seventeen hours strapped into an airplane can't dampen my excitement.
Plans are coming along nicely for Japan though. Even though I haven't been ticking off every day in my calendar, I've been Skyping about once a week with my west coast travel buddy, Nicole, and we've got all of our accommodations booked, decided on which rail pass to buy, and have a pretty comprehensive list of things we want to do in Tokyo, Kyoto and Nara. All that's left is to do is work out a tentative itinerary and research karaoke bars!
Well, that and pre-vacation shopping, of course. I've always found it well nigh impossible to go on vacation without at least one new shirt, and I'm going to try to talk Colby into letting me get a Barnes & Noble Nook so that I don't have to haul around tons of fun books in addition to my travel books. Also on my list?
Tignanello 24" Expandable Wheeled Upright
I want to pack lightly as we'll be spending a lot of time hopping on and off trains and I won't have Colby around to help me haul my belongings, however, also because I won't have Colby to help me haul around my belongings, I want something slightly larger than the 22" carry on I already have. Also a bonus, I could pack for the trip with the suitcase unexpanded and then as I accumulate souvenirs and gifts, expand as needed.
I also need a sturdy, roomy, lightweight day bag. These messenger style bags from Sherpani seem to fit the bill perfectly. I'd like to go with the Milli as it's a little bit smaller and lighter, but I worry that I won't be able to fit everything that I'll want to have with me every day as well as a change of clothes for the airplane. (My nightmare is being stuck in an airport overnight without clean underwear and a toothbrush.)
Metropolitan Zippered Travel Wallet
This wallet seems perfect for storing all of the travel documents I'll need as well as just a couple of credit and ATM cards and a yen pocket! I'd probably also toss a coin purse in my bag for any change I pick up along the way.
The next month isn't showing much sign of slowing down what with school, a possible long weekend in North Carolina, projects around the house and getting ready for Colby's four-month deployment, but I imagine there will be a little more Japan chat around these parts as the weeks dwindle. In the meantime, I really need to learn at least one more Japanese phrase, and preferably one that doesn't require maximum effort not to finish off with "Mr. Roboto".
I learn all of my Japanese phrases from Styx songs.
It's so cool that you're going to Japan! I think I would be totally intimidated.
Posted by: Heidi Renée | May 25, 2010 at 05:39 PM
ah japan! how exciting!!! :) i love the messenger bags!
Posted by: ria | May 25, 2010 at 05:46 PM
Onegai shimasu means please ... other than konnichiwa and sayonara, I'm tapped out for Japanese phrases. Have fun!
Posted by: Lynn | May 26, 2010 at 05:45 AM
Oooh I love your travel wallet, it looks great to store all things important. :)
And I can't believe you are going to Tokyo soon! Can't wait to see pictures.
Posted by: Jass | May 27, 2010 at 02:59 PM
I'm a nerd and I always buy a long, skinny travel journal to write while I'm on vacation and store those long boarding passes. Just a thought. I'm glad you are getting stoked for Japan. I wanted to learn phrases before I went too but totally slacked in that department thinking Matt would be of help. Ahem, I knew as much Japanese as he did. Be prepared for them to say "hi" all the time. It means yes. lol And, I might have to look into that messenger bag just because. :) Happy trip!
Posted by: Jessica | May 27, 2010 at 11:32 PM