Lakwatsera Fridays: How Much of the World Have you Seen?

I was looking at my Google Maps timeline. It recorded all the places I've visited across the world. Looking back, I was really very realistic with my dreams. It never crossed my mind to work abroad. The only traveling I did growing up was with my family. That's why I cried the first time I traveled to the US by myself because of work. 

When I stepped out of SFO airport, tears started to fall because it was very overwhelming for me. It was my first time to be by myself and far from family. I lived a very sheltered life. Dad would drop me off in school even when I was in college. I only learned to commute when I graduated in high school. 

Our family would travel and I got to travel more locally and internationally mainly because of my jobs. I guess some would say it must have been in my stars (haha). Also might be because it runs in my family. My ancestors were travelers and saw from research some were involved in shipping and trading, military and teachers. That's probably why I naturally gravitated towards a job that gave me the opportunity to travel. 

Can you guess where this is?

I eventually got used to traveling alone. Took a class where we were taught do's and dont's when traveling alone. We were also taught some basic self defense moves. I still cannot imagine how I managed to remove a huge person off of me during that class. The guru told us it boils down to having presence of mind and don't be stupid (haha). I was lucky I never encountered any issue traveling (unless you count being followed across Pakistan [but they thought I was a Kpop star that's why]).

I cannot say I've been to a lot of places, but I'm happy I managed to travel before being grounded due to health and the pandemic. I wish though I'd be given a chance to visit South America, Canada, Africa and other areas of Europe. For now there are a lot of videos to watch and we can explore places via Google Earth (one can go to Disney everyday!). Realistically though we'll probably stick to exploring the Philippines when it's safer and if my doctor allows me to. 

Where would you go?

#BeKind #StaySafe

Lakwatsera Fridays: Traveling Alone in Japan

From being hopelessly lost during our family trip to Tokyo, I eventually learned the ropes of getting around in Japan. You really need to learn because taking a taxi is very expensive. Armed with Google Maps and the train card Uncle Fumio gave me, I eventually learned to commute everywhere.

I once visited a school. It was located in the outskirts of Tokyo. Told Yoshi-aan I'll just meet him at the station near the school. I checked the train line to take and the exact time of the train I should take. Uncle Fumio explained there are express trains and trains that stop at all stations. If you're going to a far away place it's best to take the express train. It's always on the dot. 

When I arrived at the school with Yoshi-san, the principal asked how I got there. I told her I took the train from Ropponggi. She was so shocked I made it all the way to their town by myself. I told her I just followed Google Maps. I beamed when she congratulated me for the effort, haha. 

Eventually I got bolder and took the Shinkasen by myself from Tokyo to Nagoya and then Osaka. Train stations in Tokyo are HUGE and you have to be mindful of the line you have to take. Yoshi-san graciously bought the ticket for me and I just asked him for some directions. Well, I made it and met up with him in Nagoya. The next day I travelled alone to Osaka. The funny thing is, Yoshi-san checked on me at the station to make sure I was at the right platform!

I never got scared traveling alone especially in Japan. I took basic Japanese and you can always ask for directions at the station. Knowing how to get around by myself made it easy for me to visit places I was interested in (like my fave place,Tomato). Well, we also had a special session on traveling. We were taught what to watch out for and some basic self defense techniques. Thank God I never had any issue. 

I miss those days when I had opportunities to venture out on my own. There's so much you can discover about your surroundings and yourself when you travel alone. Just always understand the situation locally and be mindful of local practices.

Shared how that trip from Tokyo to Nagoya went: 

http://aileenapolo.blogspot.com/2020/05/multi-level-tokyu-hands-in-nagoya.html 

#BeKind #StaySafe