So this is the first time I’m updating in forever and will try my best to summarize what happened from my last post.

First of all, I finally purchased my tickets! At a total of $2484.70, I will be in Tokyo from June 7th to 13th, Osaka/Kyoto from the 13th to July 2nd, and finally Hong Kong from the 2nd to 15th. I was sort of in a rush to reserve the tickets so I have no idea weather if I got the best deal. Oh well.

I also renewed my passport for a whooping $135. It was a daunting process, each customer had to personally renew with a creepy Asian man in a dim and small room. After a swear of identity it was done.

It’s final week once again. Not prepared as always, cramming as much as I can two days before each of my 4 tests and 1 essay. Trying to finish this semester off better than last, hopefully getting into this thing called Dean’s list. Wish me luck.

Finally. I actually decided to buy this camera spontaneously after one day of light research. It’s perfect for the trip; light, compact, packs a punch, HD video, and interchangeable lenses. Although it is horrible at low light, just everyday snaps during the day are fine.

Now I’m looking to buy a new lens (20mm f/2.5) and the electronic viewfinder for some cute shooting. Then, and only then, will I be ready for the coverage in Japan.

Essentials during my trip. Passport, wallet, phone, and keys. I hope to pack light so I don’t have to carry it around everywhere and weigh me down.

Confirmed places of visitation: Maid cafe, castles, ramen joints, and A Bathing Ape.

Started some official research on the trip today. First, I renewed my passport, which was 6 years over due and a very expensive $135 to replace. Second, I looked at some store fronts that are unique to Japan only. What really caught me eye were the Bathing Ape and Supreme Tokyo stores. Lastly, my brother Alan, whom I will be going with, sent me some details of the hotel that we will be staying at. Either one very affordable one at $30 per night, or one step above that, at $50 per night. Both were very nice locations, just different in size and service.

Got pretty hype off this. I wanted to go to the bank to deposit $910 I had laying around at around 3:00 PM on a Saturday.

Got something interesting in the mail today. It was a nice little letter with a load of stickers from DERF 561 Designs, all the way from Boynton Beach, Florida.

I can confidently say that this letter made me feel happy, confirming that I am indeed doing something productive and in some ways, influencing others. But anyway, their stuff is cool, generally aimed at the skate/snowboarding scene.

Check it out here: http://derf561designs.com/

Been saving up my money literally since I was born. The piggy bank, Christmas presents, Birthday money, time at Forever 21, Visionary, and some side hustling.

For this trip, I planning to have a budget of $3,500. That’s $3,500 out of $4,000 I saved. Hopefully that is is enough for a month and a half overseas filled with food, clothes, sightseeing, and other miscellaneous items.

P.S. I hope I can do this blog everyday when I leave, but for now, I’ll update it with the ongoing preparation of this trip.