(Saturday, July 5, 2008/12:44 AM)
Now that I'm back in Singapore, reality set in and I'm back to my mundane lifestyle. And the blazing hot weather in Singapore. :( Given a chance, I would really wish to experience a long-term stay at Japan, be it for my future job or the upcoming SEP (hopefully I'll get in!). Now, I gotta save up a ton if I wanna return to Japan soon! >.<
It's my first attempt going free and easy, but it wasn't even easy at all! Looking back at the successes and failures of this trip, I got some advice for the aspiring independent traveler! As I mentioned before, a good companion is of utmost importance. It's probably wiser to go in groups of 3-5 if u aren't exactly the best of friends with each of them. My friend and I didn't really had a close relationship, besides meeting each other once a week for class. So, we found it hard to adapt to each other's lifestyles and this could be a major stumbling block to enjoying the trip wholeheartedly! If u have to go with juz another friend, try ur best to foster the relationship way before the trip.
Plan ur route well! U may think that jotting down the relevant subway lines and transit stations is sufficient, as in my case. But I realized it's even more difficult than I thought! Having ur companions share the homework of planning the schedule would help greatly too. My friend had to work and neglected the planning totally and I had to bear the entire burden of planning the entire schedule. If we get lost, it's entirely my fault too. Terribly stressful... =S
Learn their societal norms and customs! I remembered in Hakone, we went to a traditional onsen and when we travelled from place to place, we didn't have our bits covered *lol*! A few Japanese youths gave us quizzical looks and passed by us, muttering to themselves "gaijin", a rude term to describe foreigners. Juz be conscious of what u're doing each and every min in public! Even ur little habits might stand out in the Japanese crowd.
Be prepared for cranky weather! Japan has 4 seasons unlike Singapore, so it might get even hotter than Singapore, esp. in July/August! But one thing's for sure, it isn't as humid as Singapore. I hate being sticky all over on a hot sunny day in Singapore. :( Dun forget ur umbrella during June, and ur big winter coat from November onwards. :)
I gotta say the conventional tourist destinations of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka have run its course, and I'll probably head to Hokkaido or Kyushu the next time. Anybody wishes to join me? =) Sigh, for my future blog posts, it'll be back to my mundane lifestyle so I probably wouldn't have much to talk abt. I'll be true to my word and make this an unconventional blog! Probably have my say on some touchy societal issues in Singapore. Gotta go church tml, so I'll rest up now! Cya guys!~
posted by MightyFlameboy.
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