Joke of the Week
Thanks to Greg of Fontana, CA
Raoul’s 2 Cents. October 9, 2026
I Think I’m Turning Japanese
As you read this email, I will be somewhere in the streets of Osaka, Japan. I still wanted to make sure you had something to smile about this Friday.
My group has been to Kobe, Nara, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Tokyo, and surrounding areas. There are a lot of temples here. They said the reason for so many different temples was because Buddhism has several different sects and politics is not far behind these beliefs. This is an indication that power struggle has existed since the dawn of time.
The Japanese culture lives up to its reputation as a disciplined, advanced, quirky and fascinating country. The US dollar goes a long way here. The restaurant prices are similar (if not cheaper) than in California. Wagyu beef, shrimp, fish, crabs, oysters are in abundant supply. There’s a restaurant in every corner. Prices, style of cooking, amount of serving are similar to each other. Somehow, they all seem to survive.
The Japanese culture lives up to its reputation as a disciplined, advanced, quirky and fascinating country. The US dollar goes a long way here. The restaurant prices are similar (if not cheaper) than in California. Wagyu beef, shrimp, fish, crabs, oysters are in abundant supply. There’s a restaurant in every corner. Prices, style of cooking, amount of serving are similar to each other. Somehow, they all seem to survive.
I wouldn’t mind moving here … at least for a year or two. I could work digitally from here. But friends and family are home in the USA. I guess no matter where you are, no matter how interesting and attractive a place may be, home is where the heart is.
I’ll be writing an article in TravelingBoy.com when I get back home. I’ll give you tips and share images. See you next week. Same time. Same channel.
TGIF people!
Quotes of the Week
“In Japan, robots are so advanced, they probably apologize for bumping into you. .”
— Anonymous
“I’m pretty sure my washing machine in Japan is smarter than me.”
— Kelly Jones
“I saw a vending machine in Japan that sold hot corn soup. I didn’t even know that was a thing.”
— Anonymous
“The Japanese are masters of creating adorable things that are secretly terrifying.”
— Anonymous
“I tried to ask for the bathroom in Japan, but I accidentally asked for a bowl of rice.”
— Anonymous
“The Japanese are masters of understatement. They can make a joke so subtle, you’ll miss it entirely.”
— Anonymous
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
— Romans 12:2
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
— Proverbs 3: 5-6
Memes of the Week
Send me your jokes & memes so I can share them with the rest of our TGIF family. This week, we thank Ken of La Habra, Jason of Eagle Rock, Jan of Alhambra, and Debra of Sydney.
SUBSCRIBE
I found these:
I collaborated with my friend and jokester,Terry Cassel for these below.
Oscar
October 10, 2026 at 12:11 pm
YMCA in Japanese
😂😂😂🤷♂️
Cool pictures and stuff about your vacation in Japan Raoul but yeah we want you back home Brother no moving far away. We need good Godly people to stay in California especially LA County 😂😂😂🙏
Glad you all having Fun .
God bless all and have an awesome weekend everyone.
🙏❤️❤️❤️👍😊
Ed
October 12, 2026 at 6:19 pm
As always, it did make me smile.
Thank you, MISTER Pascual, for always remembering us… even while you’re busy in the Land of the setting.
Your writing is profound!
Miss you and excited about your return!
Wife, your kids and grandkids must also
Be Excited!
God Bless You for your hard work on Traveling Boy… even while you are on vacation exploring many places in Japan.
Your friends… Ed and Deb.
Larry
October 12, 2026 at 6:21 pm
Turning Japanese, I don’t think so
Great to see you are keeping your job of providing us your TGIF email, despite being out of country.
My experiences in Asia are similar to what you described.
In downtown Seoul, there are restaurants and bars and coffee shops and outdoor open markets.
Food is relatively cheap.
You should not live in Japan. Yes, you could do many things on your computer, but you need human interaction with your friends.
We are still in a heatwave. We are supposed to have rain this weekend.
Wonderful to read your TGIF as always
May Christ be with you my dear brother.
TGIF
Larry
Mary
October 12, 2026 at 6:22 pm
We learn so much about you, Raoul. I think there was a good soul in you even before you learned about Jesus Christ! I’m just glad you took the road you did!
Mary
Mary
October 14, 2026 at 1:24 am
Thank you for some good humor! (not ice cream, though) Hope you are having a nice tour!
Mary
Patrick
October 14, 2026 at 7:48 pm
Long time no chat. I do read your weekly notes. Next May I will be cruising 11 days around the Japan island – starting in Tokyo & ending there – see below – if you visited any of these cities would you share the high points I don’t want to miss? Also, did you take tours of the city in small group or larger – there are 4 of us traveling and looking for private tours.
Let me know
Raoul Pascual
October 14, 2026 at 7:52 pm
Hi Patrick
Wow! Ages since we talked. Glad u r still part of my TGIF family.
Quick answers;
My wife’s sis and husband plus my wife – 4 of us – independent travel. He did all the research. I know nothing.
Home base is Osaka Travelodge at $71 a day. Near trains. Lots of walking. 10 – 20k steps a day. I admit it’s a strain on my age. Need to sit a lot.
Food is same price as US but menu is different- wagyu beef and seafood and ramen. Curry too. 7-11s all over for cheapest food alternative.
Travel light. Washing machines available. Empty suitcases coming in, leave w packed tax-free goodies. Do not exchange $ in USA. Better rates in the airport. 143 yen to a $ (exchange rate is $163 to $). Many businesses accept US. Credit cards. I’d exchange maybe $500 for ready cash.
Taxis all over but if you study train option, it’s best. But that also means walking.
Dress comfortably. Blacks and white most popular combination but people dress any way they want.
U can get by without need for translator. Most japs speak broken English and have translation apps.
Carry small umbrella. A light raincoat if possible. But u can buy all that cheap.
If u travel w group, u don’t have flexibility to change especially if too tired to go on. But can’t stress enough need to study trains.
Carry plastic bag for personal trash. No public Trash cans. Bathrooms aplenty in trains stations.
Enjoy.