Going to Japan.
Target date: Summer 2011

I'm not a "traveling person", by any means. I'm like a hermit, always inside my cave (room), trying to minimize the time I spend outside, in the real world. Yesterday, after a conversation with my good friend Symphony, I decided I should try to change that, and do something out of the ordinary.. for me, anyway.

I decided to travel to some place. And of all places I could go to, I chose Japan as my destination. Why? Well, it is the birthplace of many things I love, but it isn't just that. I've always found their culture interesting, and it seems like a nice place to go to.

Now, the idea just recently formed in my head, so I'm not really sure of what I actually have to do to get there. But, this blog is my humble attempt at finding that out. As such, it will probably sound naive / silly / who-knows-what-else, but whatever. I can say what I want. :P

Things I have to do / learn / reprogram or that worry me:

• Re-learn the way I eat - I don't usually go to other people houses. Or if I do, I decline almost everything they offer me to eat. This is because I'm very, particular, let's say, about food. The word my grandma used for me, in Spanish, is "melindroso". Because people feel bad sometimes that I don't accept what they offer, and I feel bad too, I tend to avoid the situation altogether. Traveling to a place where there is altogether different foods presents a similar problem. I could just look for places with familiar things... but I would like to not do that. So, guess I'll have to re-learn / train myself to be less picky, and try more things.
• Learn to depend on myself - Ahhh, good old me, my worst enemy. How much I love / hate you, buddy. Well, if I'll be alone, I have to depend on myself... but I tend to avoid this. This would be useful in so many ways.
• Find out how long I will stay - This will depend a lot on the money I'll have by then...
• What will I do there? - Will it just be a short visit? A long one? Should I try to get work there and stay for months... or even a year? I dunno yet. Guess the money I get might influence this.
• How much money will I need? - Currently I don't have much money at all, so I'll need to start saving. This may actually require another job, or a job change.
• The language - Well, I've been told that I could get by with just English (my native language is Spanish, but I can defend myself with my oral English), and I suppose if it isn't a long stay that might work just fine. However, I kind of find it... disrespectful? Inconsiderate? Dunno what the word is, to be in a place and not try to talk their language. I know a little tiny bit, due to my interests, but I guess I have some time to learn more. Maybe some help might be needed here (*winks @Symphony*)...

it really is a first time for everything Jl, it really is.
if you end up going i hope you take some manga or anime with you when you go back. That's my only regret from when i was there, i simply forgot.
Do not repeat my mistakes.
 
P.S. great that you've began to write! i hope you continue. even if it's only comments.

Woo grats on your first blog!
 
Augh, you counter winked me! I've been dealt critical damage! *dies*
 
The first thing on your list is definitely a good one and I expect you to try more types of pasta and sushi and such, hehe. Declining things offered to you is definitely considered rude in some cultures (including Japanese from what I've heard) unless te're offering you weird things like tissues outside of shady establishments... avoid accepting things from people standing on the street =X
 
Oh and don't accept candy from shady old men in vans.

 Oh and don't accept candy from shady old men in vans. "

It's good to get out some time. My family is planning a trip to England some time next year since that's where some of our relatives live, and visit various other European locales as well while they're there. Hopefully I can raise enough money so I can go too. I rarely go anywhere. :(
 
Good luck with your crazy quest. :P And congratulations on finally posting a blog. I need to post another blog some time soon.

So wait, you're actually planning to meet up with Symphony (and whoever else she's taking along) in Japan? Man, I should totally get in on that action... I know bronzdragon would be interested as well. We've always jokingly spoke about how we're gonna visit Japan together someday (well, it's mostly been one-sided -- as in, I'd drag him along whether he likes it or not), but one of these days y'know... we actually will, and that day might as well be in the Summer of 2011. If all goes as planned I should have my life back on track by then and actually be able to afford such a trip.
 
So hey, if you're serious about this and wouldn't mind meeting me and bronz, just tell me and it's TOTALLY gonna happen. It would be nice to have something like that to work towards... I guess I'd have to pick up my Japanese studies again as well as I share your opinion in that visiting a country but not bothering to learn their language is somewhat disrespectful -- at least when you're staying for extended periods of time (suddenly I'm reminded of CheapyD from CheapAssGamer who has been living in Japan for several years now but doesn't speak a word Japanese -- ugh, how shameful...).
 
Oh, and LordAndrew, you better keep me posted on that potential Europe trip of yours, because if you ever end up visiting The Netherlands we should totally meet up. :)

Learning someone else's language is part of learning their culture, so learn as much of that as you can.  2011?  You have enough time to get a good baseline.  You will benefit, people will respond more positively to you, you will get to know more people, and you will understand certain cultural tendencies that may have nothing DIRECTLY to do with language, but are informed by it.  It will make even a short visit much more meaningful, and help expand your brain a bit in the process.
 
Cool idea, it'll be an adventure :) 

I don't wanna be raining on your parade, but if you rarely leave the house, it's no good to jump in the deep end. I seriously respect your goals, but I don't think visiting Japan on your own is going to help. I'd recommend visiting a country where you can easily speak the language, for a short time. Like say, England for a week.
 
You could also take someone you know/trust and who has traveled before.
 
Though visiting Japan would be TOTALLY sweet!

It would be funny this just ended up with all of us going to japan summer 2011.
like 8 people. with one goal, FIND A SFIV MACHINE NOT IN USE.

congrats on the first blog. so its just you and Mel going?

Congratulations for you on the blog, and I think going to Japan is an exceptionally good idea!  You'll have plenty of time to learn enough Japanese to be polite while you're saving.  Maybe take baby steps on the whole going outside more often thing between now and then to get the ball rolling.