The global pandemic not only devastated (in many more ways than one) countries and peoples regardless of age, color, income, and what-have-you, but it unleashed hordes of travelers in airports and countries after it was officially over (or is it?). I know. I was one of them.
As early as late 2022, as soon as I received my passport, (and covid restrictions were finally relaxed) the first thing I did was to book a flight to where else? – Manila. Not only because it is my home country but also to tie up loose ends left dangling when we were all slam-banged with lockdowns.
Now, when in Manila, do as many Manilenos do –travel to other parts of Asia. And I did just that. Number 1 destination was Tokyo, Japan. Thinking that covid and its ensuing complications would only last weeks, our son and his then bride-to-be planned for a wedding in Tokyo in late 2020. Alas! the weeks dragged on to became months, and sadly, turned to years. Japan was literally closed to foreigners. In the meantime, they did proceed with the marriage and we were blessed with a healthy grandchild. We just had to enjoy these moments virtually.
So, as soon as I got myself settled in Manila, I set off to finally meet our new grandchild – Leia Tanaka Taylor, and, of course, to be with our son and his charming wife, Kaori. Although it happened to be cherry blossom time in Tokyo while I was there, I was just so happy to be spending time with Leia and our son JM and his wife Kaori. Leia must have been wondering who this salt-and-pepper- hair lady was staying in their wonderfully-efficient flat (as most Japan dwelling places are). Shopping and sight-seeing took a back seat to spending time with family. This was a refreshing change for me.
Undeniably, I realized how much I missed Japan. When I was residing in Manila, I would travel to Japan once or twice a year every year. At that time, it was relatively inexpensive especially if you take the budget airlines. Also, you would be surprised to know that you can stay in Tokyo and not spend inordinate amounts of money, if you know where to go. Luckily, our son has been a Tokyoite for more than 8 years already. Maybe 10 years in fact. It helps to know someone from there. Also, I usually stay in reasonably-priced hotels or lodgings and, as much as possible, I don’t impose on him. This last trip was an exception somewhat. I spent half of the days I spent in Tokyo in their charming Nishiarai flat with an incredible view of Mt. Fuji (yes, you read it right – Mt. Fuji looks on them kindly by showing itself in all its glory, on clear days). The rest of my stay I booked myself in a charming, relatively new hotel in the Asakusa area conveniently located near the Sensoji temple (with all the shops) and a 20 minute walk to Skytree crossing the bridge over the Sumida River which had cherry blossom trees blooming on both sides . A pretty sight indeed. Food for the soul and the spirit.
On my next trip to Japan (you can bet I will be back), or rather to Tokyo, I will make sure to book at the Muji Hotel in Ginza. Even if I can only afford maybe 3 nights max. Or who knows? I may book my whole stay there. A dream come true. Needless to say, I am a huge fan of Muji, for many years now. I love their concept and their aesthetics. Right up my alley. The first time I saw a Muji hotel (although I did not stay there) was in Beijing in 2018. One day, I said to myself, I will stay in one. I did not end up staying in one this year but I did come home with a set of Muji luggage, ready to bring them with me on my next trip to one of my favorite travel destinations – Japan.
TRAVELLING IS NOT ONLY EDUCATION BUT IT IS A PRACTICE IN DISCIPLINE
I am so glad to be back in my own bed after sleeping in strange, new rooms whether in hotels or relatives’ houses, for almost 3 months. I did not realize how my wanderlust was all pent up that I stayed out of my comfort zone for almost 90 days.
Actually I am shocked at myself for having traveled alone at my age. As if making a 30 hour travel to Manila with 2 stops (for the first time I did not travel with Philippine Airlines but took Air Canada instead) and change of aircraft was not enough, I even made a trip to Japan. Then another trip to Bangkok. How I clambered on the tuktuks in Bangkok (not realizing how high they were) and got to communicate with the Thai people without knowing a word of Thai. Everybody I met in my whole sojourn was flabbergasted when they found out I was travelling alone. Even the lovely Chinese-Filipino family on the same plane with me on the way to Bangkok were at a loss for words upon finding out I was not with anybody.
Was it really such a big deal? Or was I taking too much of a risk for variables?
Two things I learned for sure. That travel is really and truly an education. I am not just referring to what you learn about the country or its peoples where you travelled to. The education is to learn about yourself. How far you can go and accomplish. To not think about what you cannot do or are not supposed to do. In short, to forget limitations and think possibilities. Travel is also an exercise in mental discipline – most especially to be organized and it is almost impossible to be organized if you are not calm and all there. All present in the moment.
More than anything else, I learned a lot about myself.
LOVE TO HATE YOU
How did this come into the picture? Well, I cannot but recommend this drama on Netflix – Love to Hate You. A wonderful blend of East and West sensibilities. And I am thoroughly delighted that it does not have big or well-known stars and yet is making it big, or hitting the ratings. I don’t know the stats but I have no doubts of how many views it is raking in. I find the male lead, Yoo Teo fascinating. By the way, great actor too. And the female lead is also superb – Kim Ok-bin.
Yoo Teo is a South Korean-German actor who does not seem to fit the mold of the usual K drama actors. He was born in Germany and studied acting and theater in the Lee Strasberg School of Theater in New York and the Royal Academy of Performing Arts in London. He just released a self-made 80 minute documentary “Log in Belgium”, a documentary about himself while isolated in a hotel in Belgium during the pandemic when all flights to South Korea were cancelled. He speaks 4 languages including Russian and is married to the brilliant, internationally acclaimed South Korean visual artist Nikki S. Lee who is 11 years his senior. Whoah! I am impressed. Who is this human being in the world of K drama?
If anyone can tell me how to access his documentary, please let me know. I understand that he has an Instagram account. I think this is going to be the start of an interesting search for me.
For now, I will let you readers go….Till next issue….mabuhay!!