We touch down in Tokyo two weeks from today. And today marked the beginning of The Packing Of The Bags. Things are getting real. I’m packing snacks, I’m making copious lists in my head (at inappropriate times to make any note of them) about what would be a good idea to take on the plane and then promptly forgetting them.
We’re travelling without Steve. It’s the first international trip I’ve made without him since going to England, when I was 8 weeks’ pregnant with (and thinking I was losing) Ellanor. Horrendous journey, that was. And it’s the first international trip Lolly’s made since she was a wee six week-old blip on the radar in my ute, when we did a “stuff this putting our lives on hold until a baby happens shite, let’s fly to Fiji” whim that made me get pregnant. Again. Mere weeks before we flew out. Here I was planning around a menstrual cycle that never eventuated. It was the last overseas flight we made. But if you want to know more, you’ll just have to read my book!
I’m a nervous flyer. No, make that…. I’m a terrible nervous flyer. Ahem. God bless Mummy and all who fly with her. I’m looking at you, Lolly.
Speaking of which, check out this quick video of Lol at around 16 months. I had forgotten all about it. Can’t even remember filming it. Such is the blessing and the curse that is post-natal depression-amnesia…. Still, what I do know and can tell you is that I knew all along I had my work cut out for me with this child. She has always made me laugh into my sleeve, it’s often been difficult to stand firm in my discipline with that impish grin defying me and my efforts. Watch it and see if you detect the sly eye and hand movements, the quietly defiant gaze. Oh, yes. It has all the makings of Cheek, not to mention an ironic soundtrack – “Standing In The Way Of Control”:
So, just out of interest, is there anything you’ve ever wanted to know about Japan? Want to know what a supermarket checkout looks like? Want to see some examples of the amazing bathrooms and public rest rooms? (I had no idea until I watched a documentary on toilets… as you do… a few weeks back that the Japanese are very particular about their toilets, and now I am fully expecting silver service at every one. Okay, well, not quite, but I want to see fancy!) Do you have any pressing questions about the tsunami aftermath? I plan on drilling my sister inlaw for information, her co-operation willing, and will be keen to get a fair few posts under my belt while I’m gone. I want to document this for us (as a family) as much as I want to share the Japan I see with you.
It should be fun. Join me for the ride?
No, really… I think I will honestly need another adult’s hand to hold on that fecking plane.
Oh, I will definitely be joining the ride! I dare you to find a talking Japanese toilet and do a vlog figuring out what all the different functions do
x
Supermarkets! The post office! Rubbish collection!
I love that video. What a cutie! Japan?? I just want to see lots of pictures.
I would like to know how much it costs to buy a Hattori Hanzo sword…
Well I see they’re selling three for less than $100 on Ebay……….
I second Kristen, would love to see lots of pics and read your stories while there
. I’m metaphorically holding your hand 
Thank you, Jen! Am going to need it. I’ll just imagine it when I’m sitting there. Up in the air. Miles and miles above clouds. Shudder.
Well, now I have the peace sign thing worked out, I’m not sure… but I do think loo vlog would be a good idea. Or, a vlog about a loo… perhaps that sounds better!
Loo vlog. Brilliant.
Loo vlog. Noted.
All I keep seeing is the word “log” but my brain is registering the “vlog” part at the same time. And I’m left for a split second every time going “……surely she doesn’t mean……”
Don’t mind me. Still hungry.
Being a checkout chook, I’d love to see a Japanese checkout. I’d like to know if the operators pack the groceries or do the shoppers have to do it? Does the supermarket supply plastic bags like we used to or do the Japanese have to bring their own in many different styles and fabrics as my customers now do. Many of which are not too clean.
Oh yes, good one! What do they take their groceries home in? I am really hopeful it’s some awesome way-out Japanese invention. Like… it’s all done with vacuum tubes or something. Yeah. That’d be cool!