A random list of loves
Dispatches from Japan, Part 3
Hello friends,
I’m writing to you from my couch, coffee cup in tow, committed to keeping my eyes open until 8:30 pm PST. I’m currently battling a bit of jet lag, which is proving to be relatively painless compared to the hell I face when I return from Kenya. Perhaps that’s because I’m watching the snow fall outside my window—at least seven inches and counting—which is a much more pleasant welcome home than the blistering Reno August heat.
I haven’t been home for more than 24 hours, and I’m already feeling nostalgic. I tried my hand at making tamagoyaki, a Japanese-style omelet, and even with the fancy pan I lugged back in my carry-on luggage, I need more practice. I’m donning sky blue and purple striped Japanese pajamas and burning the most clever incense I discovered in Tokyo. I purposely exploded my bags so that I could gaze at all of the treasures that I accumulated over the past few weeks.
The stillness and silence around me feel just right, a needed break from being “on” for so many consecutive days. As the memories flicker in and out of my cloudy yet content mind, I’m reminded that it’s the little things about traveling that I love so much.
I don’t find joy in tourist attractions, the places on the top of every “must-see” list. Long queues, people with accents like mine, and baseball caps take the fun out of it for me. What I love are those moments of unplanned awe, the little things that locals likely overlook because they are so much a part of their day-to-day lives. As travelers, we get to turn that into fantasy.
What I reveled in during my few weeks in Japan:
Remarkably reliable, easy, and affordable public transportation from the city to a ski resort.
Heated toilet seats with a multi-function bidet.
The absolute attention to detail, even if it’s a bit extra in certain scenarios.
Short lift lines.
Japanese socks (they just hit differently).
Poached salmon and umami-rich soup for breakfast.
Vending machines stocked with lemon sours.
Feeling proud and walking with your head up high after you grab lunch at a 7-Eleven.
Conveyor belt sushi.
Stairwells that hold my memories.
Criminally cheap booze (exceptional use of the adverb provided by Ms. Megan Slack).
Yamoto luggage delivery.
Hands.
No shoes indoors policy (note to friends, we’re doing that at my house from now on).
Lawson.
A daily onsen ritual that replaced showering.
Ski culture rooted in the love of sliding on snow, not the love of making money.
Spending so many days in one place that you run into new friends at the cafe and lodge.
Responding to most questions or comments with a sharp, short, and breathy “hai,” knowing that nine times out of 10, it’s the right answer.
I recognize my absolute privilege in being able to experience these things and how rich my life is because of them. As a thank you to my paid subscribers, I’d like to offer up a one-hour “travel hacks” session where I’ll share what I’ve learned about international travel over the past 20 years. Whether you’re daydreaming about trip to Japan, wanting advice on navigating time zones and new cultures, or simply want to listen in, respond to this email, and we’ll set a time in February that works for the group.
I have so many photos from this trip I don’t know where to start! Here’s a few that capture a bit about what I’ve written. If you’ve been itching to go to Japan, consider joining me next year! Get the details here.
