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.

Let me know

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

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.