I am writing this article on my bus ride to airport from JR Sapporo station. I was supposed to catch the 5.15pm train but somehow, there was an urge to leave early. Thank god I did. Else I am sure to miss my flight completely.
For the past days, Japanese have repeatedly impressed me on how structural and well planned their public transport can be. It always depart on time and arrive as plan with couple minutes buffer.
It was near perfect until this accident that obstruct my way. Be it Japanese or Malaysia, we are human after all. We are all subject to mistake. I just hope that no one is injured today and I can arrive on time for my flight.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Solo Travel in Japan
After 8 years since my first and last solo travel, I finally set out alone again. This time I am in Japan. This experience is completely different from backpacking with companion though at most of the time, I was the one responsible of making the plan and itinerary. Travelling alone gives me much flexibility as well as more worries. Worry that I would end up in an unknown place especially middle in the night. I have slept in couple of airports world wide and so, was convinced that a night in Haneda would not be too bad.
Despite knowing this, I left the airport near midnight, hoping to catch the last train. The moment I board the train, I regretted my act. It was a mistake. Riding train in Japan is extremely hard especially I can't speak or read their language. Finding people that understand me at this hour was tough. Anyhow, I managed to catch the last train to my intended station.
Second problem was finding my way to Junko's house. My second mistake was for not asking her for direction or map to her place. So I got out on the totally opposite exit. Then my 3rd mistake surfaced. I only have her address. I didn't even have her phone number. Without internet connection, the address was close to useless for me and I can't get in touch immediately with her.
I was lucky to meet a kind passer-by who helped to search out on his mobile and tried to explain the way in Japanese. After few attempt, he agreed to guide me to the address. It was close to 1am and my destination as about 10minutes from where we were. Great that I met him. After making conversation, I finally learn that he is a student from China...so we both have common language after all.
Thank god that I finally reached Junko's house after 1am. This was a memorable experience. I'm looking forward to the rest of my stay her in Japan.
Despite knowing this, I left the airport near midnight, hoping to catch the last train. The moment I board the train, I regretted my act. It was a mistake. Riding train in Japan is extremely hard especially I can't speak or read their language. Finding people that understand me at this hour was tough. Anyhow, I managed to catch the last train to my intended station.
Second problem was finding my way to Junko's house. My second mistake was for not asking her for direction or map to her place. So I got out on the totally opposite exit. Then my 3rd mistake surfaced. I only have her address. I didn't even have her phone number. Without internet connection, the address was close to useless for me and I can't get in touch immediately with her.
I was lucky to meet a kind passer-by who helped to search out on his mobile and tried to explain the way in Japanese. After few attempt, he agreed to guide me to the address. It was close to 1am and my destination as about 10minutes from where we were. Great that I met him. After making conversation, I finally learn that he is a student from China...so we both have common language after all.
Thank god that I finally reached Junko's house after 1am. This was a memorable experience. I'm looking forward to the rest of my stay her in Japan.
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