Travel Oversea by Myself

Next week, my family and I will go to Kyoto for our annual tour. I like to plan the tour by myself rather than by a travel agent. The maple tour last year in Hokkaido is the only exception. Since my mother-in-law is too old to travel by herself, we all agreed to take a tour organized by a travel agent in Japan.

This is the second time I have visited Kyoto. Last time I traveled alone by JR (Japan Railroad) express from Tokyo to Kyoto for three days when I was twenty-five. Kyoto is the so-called “spiritual city”. The ancient, wise culture and atmosphere can clear up our thoughts, ease our mind and make us relax to travel around. I made some foreigner friends last time there: a geography professor, a Korean college student and a local young man. The professor sent a postcard to me from the South Pole after his Kyoto travel. The Korean college student introduced me to Korean culture by writing letters to me for many years, and the Japanese young man took me to the unknown local beautiful spot in his fancy car.

It is not so easy to plan and travel by yourself; but I still enjoy it very much. However, through the process, I can experience the real meaning of travel. This includes planning, exploring and getting into a different world.

Last year, when we were back from Hokkaido, Ian said he would like travel by himself. Even a 7 year-old boy can enjoy the happiness of travel by himself and can tell the difference from a tour agent. I was so surprised to hear that! There is still one week left of my family annual tour. We are all looking forward to the two-week Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe trip. Let me tell you more when we get back.


2003-10- Hokkaido