And so it all begins

It seemed like just a distant dream, but suddenly, here I am at SFO, about to embark on a journey to Tokyo with nothing more than my carry-on and my trusted water bottle—soon to complete its journey around the world with me.

The whole experience still feels a bit surreal. It's exhilarating, thrilling, and just a bit terrifying. But mostly, it's exhilarating.

Did I mention that I've never traveled to Asia before? And that I have a tendency to get lost?

Yes, I’ve downloaded the Tokyo map, and my Airalo Asialink eSIM (not sponsored) should be ready to go as soon as I land. But navigating has never been my strong suit. This will be an adventure, but I’m confident it’ll all work out. It always does.

The past few months have been a whirlwind of planning and preparation for this trip.

So, I’m actually looking forward to some downtime on this 10+ hour flight. It’s about the same flight time as when I head to Germany—just in the opposite direction.

I can’t wait to dive into this new chapter, exploring a part of the world that’s completely different from my own. I’m eager to step out of my comfort zone, immerse myself in a vibrant new culture, and meet incredible people.

On my first day in Tokyo, I’m lucky to have been paired with a wonderful guide through TOKYO FREE GUIDE, who has planned an amazing all-day tour for me.

I can't wait for it, and I’ll be sure to share every detail with you.

With gratitude,

Renate