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Calen W's avatar

I have been to Japan about thirty times for business trips, and twice for vacation. And have been to 25 or so other countries. This post is a completely understandable and normal experience with Japan, especially if you are naturally extroverted or enjoy expression.

Everyone I know that goes to Japan and loves it usually loves it for three reasons, what they can buy, what they can eat, and the politeness of society. I never hear anyone tell me about how they made Japanese friends that they will see again or talk to again, or much stories with locals. If the best part of traveling for you is the people, then I can see how a trip to Japan could feel claustrophobic or stifling.

My favorite places I have lived or spent more than a month in are : Turkey, Taiwan, and The Philippines, pretty much because of my experiences with people. I would love to go to India.

Thanks for the write up!

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benedict's avatar

My first response to this piece is to feel amazed at how you have a baseline of genuine emotional connection in most(?) of your travels! Having a connection on the level of getting a pair of hand-knit socks is probably something that would happen in less than like 10% of my trips, except ones to see existing friends. I'd love to read about how you make that happen in other trips.

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