I'm going to Japan for the first time ever in March to see Pool One of the Second Round of the World Baseball Classic. I've been planning this trip for a couple of months, but it wasn't actually until today that all the pieces fell into place that are allowing me to do this. I booked my airfare, my hotel room and my WBC tickets this afternoon, so I'm all set. I think I'm equal parts excited and terrified to be doing this - I've never gone overseas before to a country where English wasn't the first language.
I've already gotten a lot of great advice from Ryan on many things, including what card shops to go to. Deanna Rubin and Ralph Pearce have also passed along useful tips as well.
Beyond the WBC games, I'm also planning on seeing a couple open-sen games - a Marines-Lions game up at Seibu Dome and a Dragons-Baystars game down in Yokohama. Since the Lions and the Dragons are my two favorite teams, I don't think that could have worked out much better.
Posting will probably be pretty light for the next month as I'm going to attempt to do a crash course in Japanese to attempt to at least be able to ask where a bathroom is. (Of course, I got four sets of cards in the mail today, so that'll distract me for a week or so...)
6 comments:
Have fun! Japan is a very fun country to watch a baseball game. The fans act so different than we do even though we watch/play the same sport.
Toilet (toi-le) wa doko desu ka?
Sounds like an awesome trip!
I would suggust doing a ton of non-baseball related sightseeing as well. Lots to see there!
I'm glad everything has worked out and that you're able to come out to Japan! I'll be replying to your email soon.
The most important things to learn are "where" and "how much" plus numbers. Oh, and "I don't understand Japanese." But you'll find Tokyo residents are pretty good at English.
Nice that you're finally getting to go! I hope you have a great time. Hopefully you'll get to meet one or two of the people you've met online over the years while blogging.
@MoeyoCD - I hope to be able to do some touristy things as well, but my days seem to be filling up with baseball-related activities.
@Jason - already talked to one or two that I may meet up with. And I'll keep an eye out for that 1994 Marines menko set for you (although I'm betting you've already asked Ryan about it)
I'm jealous. Enjoy the trip!
Greg Dunn
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