Japan: Week 1 in Tokyo
I am writing this from my hostel in Hiroshima, Japan. It’s been a wonderful start to my journey thus far. In lieu of writing a recap, I’ll share snippets of what I’ve written in my journal.
–
I like the idea of spending enough time in a place until you’ve uncovered its magic, peeled back a few layers and have a feel for the beating pulse of the place. Once you have an idea of where things are and you’ve gotten past the overwhelming idea of figuring all out.
–
I think about all these little things that add up to why traveling is so good for my soul and mind. How I go from living on autopilot to everything being new and fresh and challenging. It’s meeting new people, it’s getting out of your comfort zone, it’s being humbled because you can’t speak a language and need help navigating. It’s adapting to new climates and new environments. It’s learning about different cultures. It’s realizing that so many worlds that exist outside of your own.
So many things happen traveling that just don’t happen at home. Every day I have the opportunity -usually because of hostels- to meet new people and have conversations with strangers. I have the chance to make a new friendship or if not, at least a conversation with a human living an entirely different life but what we share is a thirst for travel.
Life slows down and also stretches, doing so much more here than when at home.
I’m not sure how to apply this approach at home. I guess I would say do more. Socialize more. You probably do have to spend more money but it’s worth it. Work in new environments and buy that cup of coffee and go to the new restaurant. Get out of the house. Go to new neighborhoods. Get out of the city. Strike up conversations with strangers.
–
Is travel sometimes hard and exhausting? Yes. My nose is running. I’m tired. It’s so fucking cold outside. But I also feel so alive.
–
Tokyo: modern, overwhelming, urban, huge, industrial, bidets, trains, grey, organized, clean, sprawling.
–
And just like that a week is gone. a whole wonderful week full of all the good things travel brings- new friends, new sights, new experiences. Full of tiredness, exhilaration, highs, lows, smiles and tears.
This is why I travel. If I think of everything that’s happened this past week – it’s just a full wholesome week of so much – things that just don’t happen at home. Your mind and spirit is awakened from mundane slumber.
–
Travel is missing your train
Travel is becoming besties with your hostel roomie
Travel is hugs with a stranger you just met
Travel is getting ripped off and making mistakes
Travel is going in the wrong direction but meeting the right person at the right time
Travel is wearing the same clothes every day and not giving a shit.
