More Travel Prep

Today I got my first round of vaccinations for Hep A. This was a step I shouldn't have had to worry about since I got this back in 2006 before my Eurotrip, but lazy 'ol me never went back to get the second required shot a few months later and so my immunity ran out.

(Note to self: DON'T FORGET TO DO THIS AGAIN.)

I also picked up my first batch of meds for E.coli and a prescription for my malaria medication as well. Who would have thought traveling halfway across the world required so much planning? ;)

Another big step was taken this afternoon as well, while doing some internet work at my local Starbucks. (I still don't have internet at home, so besides my iPhone this place is my connectivity hub for the next few months)...I booked my first hostel of the trip!! :O

Since I'll be in Japan during the peak cherry-blossom viewing period, I didn't want to arrive and find I would have to sleep in a city park! Apparently the best spots for viewing are actually around Osaka so I guess I should probably solidify my schedule so I can book those hostel nights as well.

Good News, Bad News...

The good news is the LOST season premiere was awesomely brain-melting in the way it balanced it's entertainment value and the way in which it answered some questions while creating many more new ones!

The bad news is my girlfriend got a brand-new job as a teacher and had to unfortunately cancel her trip to Japan with me. Well I suppose that is both good news AND bad news because she gets to do her dream job now, after a long long wait.

So I guess I should change the title of this entry to Good News, Bad News and Good News Again.

But I'm not going to. Partly because I'm lazy, and partly because it would spoil the surprise of the second bit of good news. It's like a little twist ending! How very LOSTian of me.....

The Beginning of the End...

I can't believe the day is already here. The last season of the greatest show in TV history (sorry Mr. Seinfeld, but you've been replaced) airs tonight and my emotions are a bit mixed at the moment. I'm excited because ever since I downloaded that leaked Pilot episode screener way back in the summer of 2004, and began my pilgrimage to indoctrinate all of my friends and family on the awesomeness that is L O S T, I have been yearning to find the answers to all my questions. What is the island? Why were these people 'chosen'? Who exactly are Jacob and Richard? (and now of course the mysterious Man in Black?) Is Ben really one of the good guys? Will any of the survivors find redemption? Why is Hurley so awesome?

But now that I am on the verge of finding my own 'redemption' from the countless hours I have spent watching and re-watching this program I find myself growing increasingly worried. Not worried that the writers won't answer all the questions that have been raised mind you; I for one would love to leave Smokey a mystery forever. I am more concerned that the answers provided won't live up to my expectations created by 5 wonderful years of thought-provoking television.

I suppose that's the nature of the beast however. Doesn't the saying go, "it's not the destination but the journey"? I can't think of any other creative vehicle in modern history that has created as many intelligent and passionate fans that Lost has, and I couldn't be happier that I was in it since the beginning and could go along for the ride.

Thanks to all the writers, producers and actors for keeping me completely absorbed and entertained with your story.

Namaste, and good luck.