I was due for a trip to Japan this fall and I had been planning to go in November. The way it worked out with Veterans day being a Friday, the week of November 6 seemed like a good week to go. However, November 8th was the Presidential election. Undeterred, I booked my trip anyway and sent in my ballot by mail ahead of time. I thought it would actually be a good time to be away too because I knew our country was divided and it was going to be ugly no matter who won. What I didn't expect was how disappointed and sad I would be that Trump won. I knew it was a real possibility but I must have been in denial. I could not believe he won. It actually ruined couple days of my vacation.
My week in Japan started off well. I caught up with 3 friends right off the bat and had a good time. Also watched a full (4 hr) Kabuki performance with mom. I like Kabuki, but yeah, 4 hours was a bit much.... On the third day, Mom and I started on a 2 day 1 night tour. Since my mom can't do a whole lot of walking, it was a bus tour. It stopped at Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage site. I had been wanting to visit there a while now and gotta admit it wasn't all it's cracked up to be. Probably would've been nicer in winter with lots of snow.
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| Shirakawago |
Even more than concerns about policy (which he didn't give out any details of), what saddened me the most was that half of our country felt it was ok that someone as sexist and racist as Trump to be the President of the United States. I understood people wanted change and oust establishment. Still, it surprised me that they were wanting it even at such expense. I could only conclude that a large chunk of those who voted for him are racist or sexist in some way. That was sad.
After a brief stop at Shirakawago we stopped in a hotel where the usual routine is spending time in a hot spring and then feasting. I struggled to enjoy the trip and felt really bad for my mom who had to endure a depressed me. I cried myself to sleep that night. Hillary could not have been a more qualified candidate for the Presidency. No one is perfect, and the attacks on her were unjustified and excessive. It was a blow to all the hard working women. I don't think most people realize what it takes for women to succeed in a male dominated environment. Her loss felt very personal.The second day of the tour wasn't going any better. The fall foliage in the areas we were at were more or less peak. It was kinda annoying though that I could only enjoy the views from the bus. It was only after we finally got off the bus and had an opportunity to walk around to see waterfalls did I start to feel somewhat better. Not great, but less upset. By end of the day I even clung to hopes that maybe he will surprise us all and do a good job of being a President. (That hope was soon dashed by his cabinet picks - all against things I valued.)
Friday was a family day. I met up with two of my cousins for lunch and karaoke, then with more family in evening. I had a good time, though I could've done with getting out of dinner early. Jet lag was still kicking butt.
Saturday was the real fun day though. During the day I met up with two friends I've known since high school (they came to Virginia as a summer exchange program). They're such odd balls but I love them. In the evening, I went to Disney Sea with couple of friends. That was also a lot of fun, although the crowds were crazy, as one might expect. You really need a lot of time and a good strategy to make the most of it. Still, it was a pretty to go at night with everything lit up, and the holiday decorations. Also was fun catching up with my friends.
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| Tokyo Disney Sea |
Sunday morning was my flight back. Six full days is way too short for a Japan trip. Oh well. Until next time.
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