Sunday, June 1, 2008

Day 1 Canadian Skies and Sleep Apnea

Katie and I "tried" to stay up all night. We did this to adapt to Japan's time difference. I fell asleep around 2:30 while Katie stayed up only sleeping for an hour. My suitcase was rather light. The things I forgot became apparent only after it was too late. I didn't mind buying replacement shampoo, toothpaste, and deodorant. It actually might be cool to spice up my toiletries with Japanese brands. Before I left I bought a six hundred dollar camera. It's relatively amazing with 6x focus lens and the ability to take pictures of the city lights during the night. I know it is out of my budget, but I thought if it doesn't work out I could always return it, pay the $85 dollar restocking fee and be done with it. Boy, was I wrong.

We got to the airport around 5:45 am in the morning. My energy level was pretty high. I was amped on the fact I was going to a whole new world that I couldn't imagine even something as insignificant as how their license plates looked. Plus I needed some real time to gain perspective on my life. And I believe the best way to think objectively about stuff is to either:

A.Climb into a well until you are enlightened
B. Travel half way across the world.
C. Watch a good movie to change your perspective on things.
I, of course, choose B.

Mikey asked Katie what she most looked forward to seeing in Japan. Katie responded that she was floored to experience everything. I felt the same way. I wanted to see and experience it all; the taste of exotic food, the giant neon signs, temples, people and I wanted to see a lot of them, traditional wardrobes to haijuki girls basically... everything.

After a two hour flight we landed in Vancouver. The airport was colorful and welcoming. It is the most non-airport I've ever seen in my travels. Especially since it had a built in museum-like exhibit on Native American wood carvings. Plus the shopping was similar to what you would experience in a mall, but only very Canadian. Katie and I browsed the duty free shop for a gift of maple candies for Yumiko, who is a Japanese friend who offered to take us around. Yumiko asked Katie to bring her these maple candies because they compliment Japanese teas well. After purchasing the candy Katie and I waited patiently for four long hours until our departure to Yapan!