Wifi Woes

           Coming to Japan I had this preconception that everything would be all futuristic, technologically advanced,  robots serving you your meals (that might be a little much). But come on their toilets have heated seats, food serving robots are not far behind. The last thing I thought I was going to have to worry about was something as simplistic as WiFi. There would be WiFi up the yingyang, I could probably update a status from atop Mt. Fuji for Pete's sake. Wrong-O! There is WiFi, but that WiFi is protected and ultimately unavailable much to my sad unprepared disappointment. You don't know how difficult it is for me to not be able to obsessively check the weather five times, or scroll through Facebook on my phone. (#firstworldproblems) However the most difficult thing is, without WiFi I can't update anyone or anything.       But don't let me scare you technology lovers, if you are coming to Japan you do have some options! You could rent/buy a Japanese cell phone from SoftBank or another carrier. This option is slightly less appealing if you are attached to your money. Second is purchasing a pocket WiFi. This is probably the best for those only planning a semester stay. The plan is good, its only a 100 dollar cancellation fee and depending on where and when you go you might be able to get a free tablet with your contract! I got my pretty red one at Edion, I recommend bringing a Japanese speaker with you though as they might not have an English speaker on staff.      But anyways this is my long winded way of telling you all the reason I've been delayed in updating! But now that I've officially been here over a week, have adjusted, and have WiFi, I can start regularly updating! I hope you look forward to my posts as much as I look forward to sharing my adventures with you!  \ (・∀・)/

  

Pre-Trip Jitters and A Fear of Traveling

 
 

       I am probably the biggest worry wart you'll ever meet. So going on a trip to a non-English speaking country for the first time by myself is like a field day of emotional distress. I don't worry about the larger details. No, because that would be understandable right? 

Instead, I worry about the tiniest, the most implausible, and insignificant details possible. Like, what if I accidentally packed medicine that's illegal in Japan (despite the fact that I've meticulously checked and re-checked the list)? What if I get stranded in another country? What if I forget all my Japanese and make a fool of myself? What will happen if I run out of deodorant? 

There's nothing like calling home to tell your mom you got busted for smuggling Tylenol Cold.

     Here's the thing, traveling is frightening. Maybe not the act itself but all the "what ifs" and possibilities it brings. I've always admired those travelers who can just spontaneously, with little planning go out into the world and enjoy it. Heck, I need a plan just to go to the supermarket! But this is why I decided to go to Japan, to face this fear and open myself to spontaneity. Now I'm not saying I'm going to be jumping on the next impromptu backpacking adventure. Let me first get through my neatly planned to the tee Japan trip!

-Danya