Japlanning Part II

In only 5 days today I will be flying out of Tullamarine airport, with eyes as wide as saucers, a tiny bit of fear in the pit of my stomach, and boundless excitment. (There will probably also be a little plastic cup of vodka in my hand. I embrace airline alcoholism)

6 DAYS! That is...not alot of time. My wordsmithery, what can I say, I have talent.

The day I fly out will also be-

- Good Friday. Now renamed THE BEST FRIDAY.
- Billasaurus Rex's 28th Birthday

I have been spending alot of time with my handy organisational friend Excel

This being organised business has some upsides. (Im getting quite smug for someone who has a pile of unread mail still on her kitchen table)

... and also a lot of time with Trip Advisor....

...and with xe...althought is not as fun to work out the money side of things. It's just so hard to estimate what I will need, and balance that with what I can afford!

Now, I am no crazy cat lady like this woman, (I just love CATS! *tear*), but I have discovered Cat & Kitten Cafes.

From what I understand, many rentals in Japan dont allow pets. To get around this, you are able to go to a Cat & Kitten cafe to surf the internet, have a latte...and pat a kitten!

Source

One thing I am REALLY looking forward to (probably more than I should be) is the Maiko makeover in Kyoto.

I have booked in to visit a tiny studio in the cobbled streets of Gion, where many moons ago traditional Geisha and Maiko tottered around on those insanely high wooden thongs (nowadays if you see this its probably a tourist!)

At Yume Koubou I will be transformed into full Maiko dress- the hair piece, kimono, full makeup...the lot!

After my metamophasis into a delicate creature (Yeah right!) I will be having a photo shoot in my new garb. How exciting!

I'm not photogenic AT ALL, and I'm also one of those uncos in a photo who has their eyes crossed, or something in my teeth...at the very least the photos that come out of this shoot will be entertaining.

SO RONERY.

Im starting to get a bit anxious about travelling alone. Not so much the safety side of things- but more missing my family, friends and of course Billasaurus Rex.

I come from a very large family, which means that there is always someone to talk to. My sisters are my best friends, and then of course I've got my old school friendfs, work friends, etc.

It' has hit me all of a sudden that I wont be texting my family and friends all day, emailing them at work, visiting them for dinner, going out for drinks, and calling them at all hours like I do at home.

I'm a communicator by nature, so it will be interesting to see how I react to a complete change.

And now, so I dont dwell on those thoughts, some more WTF Japan photos, all provided by Japan Is Weird, my new favourite site.

 

This is not what I am expecting to see at Ueno Zoo

Whaaa? Tanks people, tanks!

God Jesus. Confirmations, blessings, healings and miracles, all at your fingertips (if you have AA batteries that is)

Toad-ally Hot.

Would you like to take a little lap-nap?

Hey You! Yes you! Are you most concerned by my stubble or my eyeshadow that appears to be a sticker?

The most realistic chicken fillet ever. I'm surprised we dont have these yet.

And with that...yeah there are no words that can follow those images.

x

Japlanning

In a mere 10 weeks time I will be landing in the land of the rising sun- Japan!

I hadnt realised it was so soon- HOLY SHIT.

Its time to confess- I am an organisational nightmare. Even that dude from Oprah would think I am a lost cause. I just....planning just doesnt mesh well with me. Or it does- for one evening. The next morning, feeling smug and self satisfied, I go back to ignoring my schedule and being all over the shop.

IN 76 DAYS I WILL BE IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY, WHERE I DONT SPEAK THE LANGUAGE, WITH SO FAR NOTHING PLANNED.

Sorry to shout- that was really just at myself to get my butt into gear.

And so whilst I go off and make preparations, I have gathered together some inspirational pics in celebration of my impending trip!

A maiko in her finery...I hope to do a tour in Kyoto where I will be dressed in traditional costume and taken on a rickshaw ride through the cobbled streets.

Japanese hot springs, an onsen. These look amazing- but am I brave enough to get my kit off like is required?! Have Japanese seen fat people other than Sumo?!

I feel if im over there, to plan a trip without going to Tokyo Disneyland would be remiss.

Oh, wow. Just, wow. (I know, I'm tremendously articulate)

Tokyo Fish Markets. Apparently you need to be there at the crack of dawn (so maybe I wont go to bed after a late night karaoke session!) but its worth it to see the huge functional fish markets. And after that I can buy the worlds freshest sushi from the market stalls surrounding!

I couldnt talk about Japan without mentioning Fujisan (Mt Fuji) and sakura (cherry blossom)! I am lucky enough that the cherry blossoms will be in season during my trip.

And now for some: WTF Japan? Photos-

I do love a good mammary scarf.

Whilst not entirely as fashionable as those girls and boys at Harajuku, as a messy eater I can see the benefit in this!

And so im off, lets get this trip sorted!

Question: Whats your number one travel tip?