I leave for Japan in one week. I am excited. I am nervous. I am anxious. I am so happy that I have this opportunity to go. I love living vicariously through Jackie.
A Few Trivial Pursuit Facts:
Japan is a group of islands that run along a 3000 kilometer arc. That is from 25 degrees north at its southern tip to 45 degrees north at its northern tip. In comparison to North America that would be the distance between Montreal and Miami.
The Lonely Planet Japan guide says that there are 3900 small island and four major islands that make up Japan. The four islands are Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, and Shikoku. I will be staying on the island of Honshu. Jackie lives in a city called Onomichi. Onomichi is a port city that lies on The Inland Sea. The closest known city to many of you would be Hiroshima. Don't quote me but I believe it is less than one and one half hours away by train. I believe the population of Onomichi is approximately one hundred thousand.
I would like to mention two other facts aboout Japan. The first is that they have about 40 active volcanoes. The other fact is that Japan is the most sesmically active regions of the world. According to my readings, they on average experience 1000 earthquakes each year. Of course most of them are not felt. May I add that this is the way I like them.
I arrive in the city of Osaka at the Kansai airport. Jackie will be there to pick me up and I mean literally. Instead of going on to her city which would add a few more hours, she has decided we will stay in Kobe which is an half hour away from the airport. After a good night's sleep, we will walk around Kobe and then later in the day proceed to Onomichi.
In the meantime I make mental lists of things to do, to pack, and to remember.
Well, mental lists don't work for me anymore, but pen and paper works quite well.
And thus this is the start of my last week home. I am savoring all I know and take for granted. I am not savoring the weather which is once again snowing. I pray that their are no March snow storms to delay my departure. Bad thinking,
Did I mention that I will be in Japan for Cherry Blossom Time. I'm looking forward to seeing and experiencing Hanami. (Is that right Jackie?)
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5 comments:
IM SO EXCITED!!!!
even though its not snowing, we HAVE been having a bit of a cold snap....like high 10 low 0, which is cold with no central heating! be warned!
and onomichi is situated such that it mostly never gets earthquakes- certainly no big ones- not like tokyo. no volcanos either... not to worry!
:)
Fabulous Wendy! I'm so happy for you and so proud that you are setting forth on such an exciting adventure. Life is not a dress rehersal. So glad to see you making the most of it!
Thanks for this blog Wendy. I can see Jackie can hardly wait to see you. A wonderful trip ahead to Japan and with your daughter. We will take care of Bill!
Hi Mom, I am trying to add a comment to your blog. We'll see if that works.
Jill
Thanks everyone for the comments. You can comment several ways. The first is to use the box at the side. When you choose and identity if you use other it will post a comment easiest. You can use annonymous and sign it as Jill did. Or you can set up you own account or blog address. The final way is just to email me.
Enjoy
Wendy
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