More Plans

I had a little down time today at the VA. I'd been a little remiss about making the rest of the reservations... So I went online today to make reservations for Kyoto. EVERY HOTEL IN KYOTO WAS BOOKED FOR JULY 16th!!! I called Noby-san who told me that it is because that's when the BIGGEST festival in Japan is occurring: see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gion_Matsuri for details. In a near panic, I booked two of the only four beds available in the city. Thao and I will be staying at a hostel in Kyoto in an 18 bed dorm. On the good side, it's cheap and it's available. The reviews online were actually pretty good even.

So, the plan as it stands currently: arrive in Tokyo, Japan on July 12th, stay in Tokyo from the 12-15th, travel from Tokyo to Kyoto on July 15th, stay in Kyoto July 15-July 18th, take the train from Kyoto to Tokyo on the 18th, and fly out to Vietnam the same day.

Bullet Train

I bought the train passes for when we're in Japan. It looks like our current plan is: 3 nights in Tokyo (in Sako's brother's apartment - Thanks!!!) and then 3 nights in Kyoto.

I also finally bought up to date guide books on Japan and Vietnam. (They cost $85 - yikes). I'm starting to get really excited!!!

More Plans...

Well we finally got our Vietnam visas finished! They're letting us into the country!!!
We've also made some more decisions. It looks like we're going to spend the first 3 days in Tokyo and then go to Kyoto. We decided that only 2 cities was do-able in 6 days.
Actually, we decided today to divide the itinerary planning between the two of us. I've been awarded planning all of the Japan part and Thao will take the Vietnam part (fittingly).