This trip was long overdue; it was meant to be our first international adventure. We aimed to make it happen by our 10th wedding anniversary, but life had other plans, and now we are approaching our 15th anniversary. The trip kept getting postponed for various reasons, from my own laziness to chaotic work schedules and skyrocketing ticket prices. Just when we finally had everything in place - tickets booked and reservations made - COVID struck. That cancellation hit the hardest; it felt like all the signs were telling us this trip was never meant to be.
But over the past few months, as I talked with AkM, something shifted within me. I realized there would never be a "perfect" time; I just had to make it happen. So, I owe a big thank you to you, AkM, for making this trip possible. It was really your good wishes and prayers, which worked.
The trip itself? My family loved every moment, but for me, it was something more. Every morning, AkM would wake up at ungodly hours just to connect for few minutes. We'd chat, and somehow those quiet conversations became the best part of each day. This morning chats made me wake up each morning fresh even before everyone gets up despite of the tiring and busy, most touristy day.
Like on other trips, we packed in as much as we could, walking everywhere and ticking off landmarks like diligent budget travelers. I spent countless hours lost in imaginary conversations with AkM while family were busy taking photographs. By the end of each day, we were exhausted, but it was all worth it.
Of course, not everything was perfect. I lost my temper a couple of times, which led to my spouse tearing up. I still feel bad about that. But I was glad I could make it up to her with something she had her heart set on - visiting the Ghibli Studio exhibit. Watching her light up as she bought Ghibli merchandise and visited the Pokémon Store made up for those rough moments.
If there's one thing I regret, it's that I couldn’t bring back the perfect souvenir for AkM. I had something specific in mind but couldn’t buy it, so I had to settle for something else. It’s a small thing, but it lingers with me.
Overall, from early morning chats with AkM, imaginary conversations, visting new places to emotional highs and lows, the experience became more than just a family vacation—it was a trip of patience and discovering self. Despite some regrets and frustrations, the joy on my spouse's and son's face and the memories we made, made it all worthwhile.
This journey reminded me that while plans may not always go perfectly, the connections we forge and the moments we cherish create the most meaningful experiences.
Here's some random snaps from the trip..
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