The Dream Scheme

The land of the rising sun, Japan. Mine and my wife's dream travel destination. We always knew that we will be able to visit Japan someday, and boy are we excited to be able to do it this soon.

We chose to travel this November 13-25, 2009 as they say the best times to be in Japan were Spring and Autumn. Too bad we won't be able to see Cherry Blossoms this November, just their gorgeous red and orange autumns leaves. Too bad we can't experience the warm spring breeze of April, just the coming of the cool winter air of Japan... yeah, i am loving every second just thinking about the cold weather, woohoo!

It amazed me how fast and easy (okay, fast and easy came with a lot of nervousness) it was to get our Japanese Visas. The requirements were very minimal and the process almost hassle-free. Our visas were the 'Visiting a Friend' type which required Max to send over some support papers for our travels, which included past photos of us together (a requirement) and seeing those photos of me with Max, Macky, Toy, Kets, even Lime, Armand and Elmer gave me a sense of nostalgia which made our visa application more meaningful.

Our itinerary consists mostly about experiencing the old and new Japan and the japanese culture. With our trusty cameras and guide book, we hope to make this coming trip one of the best experiences in our lives. We will start off in Tokyo where we will be touching down from Cebu, then travel down to Kyoto (the only place in Japan that was spared during the American bombing) and stay there for a few days to experience old Japan, then up to Gunma in Isesaki to visit my best bud Max and his family, then back to Tokyo (Disney Sea!). I know that's not a lot of places for this long vacation, but i don't want to do a one-place-per-day-trip which i've experienced in other countries before, it takes you through the place in a fast-forward sort of way, i mean i can't even remember much about Paris or Seoul. This time around, I want us to be able to not just see the place but to take our time and really experience Japan.

Thanks to our beloved Tito Alvin and Tita Sol, Ivy and I are flying from Cebu to Tokyo (and back) in style, Business Class. I know, what a way to start the trip right?

Thanks to the Japanese Jellyfish, Max, for helping us out with our Visas and for being our guide in Tokyo and Gunma (we'll do it solo in Kyoto).

And now for The Dream Scheme:

1. To experience Japan and their culture.

2. To buy Ivy a couple of hand made japanese knives.

3. To see Naruto in the flesh (ha! right).

4. To finally have a blown up photo of us up on the game room wall.

So, to our dear family and friends, through this blog we wish to share what we are experiencing throughout our trip in Japan.