A year ago today, I was flying en route to Japan for my two-week tour of the country. It was a peek into a fascinating culture, and a trip full of amazing experiences and fond memories.
I can't help but feel a little sad and nostalgic today, when instead of bursting with excitement for my impending travels abroad, I'm having a very ordinary, run of the mill day teaching summer school. Ho hum. I find that my memories of my Japan trip are heightened and becoming clearer the 1-year mark abounds. I'm remembering the metallic smell of the subway, the hidden sushi place we discovered on our first night in Tokyo, being mesmerized by the neon lights of the city, and the peculiar cartoon character statues outside of our hostel. Great memories that only make me wish I could go back...today.
I love the excitement of planning of a trip or vacation, and watching the calendar as the days slip away and that trip draws near. Having an excursion to look forward to is such a motivator for me. The thrill of exploring somewhere new or even exploring somewhere familiar again is so captivating that I can't help but feel a little sad I'm not going anywhere new this summer.
I'm sure I'm not alone in this. Do you get travel nostalgia?
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I definitely get travel nostalgia! I fell in love with Japan when I visited in 2005...it is just an incredible place!!! I love the little hidden spots - the city seems to be full of them :) I have no big travels this summer either since I am wedding planning, so I know how you feel! Chin up, though :) Our city is full of fabulousness during the summer... you can act like a tourist in your own city! xoxoxo brynn
ReplyDeleteI just got approved time off to go visit family back home in Taiwan so I have a trip in October to look forward too. Seattle is so nice during the summer (just ignore this past week), it will be nice to be around here!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely do!!
ReplyDeleteI guess it's not nostalgia if you've never been right?! I'm just jonesing on going to Italy. In fact, obsessing is the right word.
ReplyDeleteFor nostalgia I remember summers in Vermont as a kid...
Yes!! Especially for Paris. It's been 8 years since I went but I can still see everything in my mind, and it makes my heart ache for more!
ReplyDeleteMchelle, I cannot believe it already has been a year! I'll never forget that crazy night in Osaka, filled with drinks at Triangle Park, conbini runs, and an all-nighter (with my equally crazy friends) at karaoke. And I know how much you loved Japan, all of it.
ReplyDeleteI get major travel nostalgia when I go home (remember how difficult it was for me after Korea)? But I think it's nice, it allows you to remember vivid memories and re-live some moments... and also allows you to plan our next trip and get thrilled all over again.
I don't think your life at home sounds boring at all- I think it's amazing that you are now engaged to be married and planning the wedding and your next step- it's something I am so envious of. As much as I adore having an adventurous life in Japan, I'm also craving stability... but it's hard to have everything at the same time.
I'm glad you still look back fondly on Japan. If you ever miss anything in particular, please tell me and I can mail it to you! xx