I checked my Instagram when a Filipina girl who is also in France was sharing her story on IG. She was on a train going to Nantes. With that vision, I somehow missed getting lost in a new city.
High-tech in Japan
When I started traveling solo in Japan, I was very excited when I arrived at Narita airport. I cannot even speak single Japanese so it was difficult to read anything in Nihonggo.
Narita airport is a huge airport so I went straight to the bathroom/toilet room to relax. And I saw this Japanese toilet. It's one of the high technology you will experience in Japan.
Screenshot source: here
Then I have to take the train to go to my destination in Shinjuku. I was afraid to get lost I asked a Japanese couple if I was on the right track. They could not speak English but they were so helpful.
I actually got lost in using the trains in Tokyo but I'm happy I was able to get around. I felt like an expert getting around Tokyo even though I only stayed there for a few days.
Photo by Victor Oluwa: here
Of course, don't forget to eat sushi and ramen in Japan. It's the best in the world.
I love to explore new places that's why I had this travel lust in my blood. I miss being Dora the Explorer. I use my iPad for my Google maps or take a real map from the hostel. All I have to do is to follow instructions given by a local.
Exploring by motorbike in Myanmar
My ex-bf left me in Yangon so I decided to explore more of Myanmar in the South. I never regretted anything. Good thing he broke up with me as I felt suffocated with him. I rented a motorbike and explored Hpa-an alone. It was the most wonderful moment ever. And it was the first time I was driving a motorbike in a different country, without a driver's license.
Related Article: #RememberSeptember - a Trip to Myanmar was a favorite but ended up with a broken heart*
Lumbini Garden in Hpa-an, Myanmar
Getting around in Myanmar is not as convenient as in Japan. I felt like a time machine brought me a hundred years ago. The old buildings in Yangon are not properly taken care of but it stays the rustic look.
Different cities or locations have different atmospheres. But I find Hpa-an special. It's the countryside but I was at peace. I enjoyed seeing the rice fields and hiking to a mountain.
Showing you a contrast between Japan and Myanmar
We can easily see the contrast between these two countries. Just writing and sharing this because, in the countries that I've been to in Asia, Japan is the most convenient and has the best technology for transportation to getting food. Yes, they have these vending machines on the streets that you can just purchase with 100 YEN coins.
Autumn season in Tokyo, Japan
Japan is also one of the safest countries I've been to. Even though I went back to my hostel at midnight on walk, no one was bothering me. I even lost my passport in Tokyo and found it eventually.
In Myanmar, it was difficult for me to eat there as I was not familiar with the cuisine. I explored more the Buddhist religion as they have several pagodas and old temples everywhere.
at Sadan Cave in Hpa-an, Myanmar with the locals
The women are nicely dressed and conservative. I can say that women there are beautiful with nice bodies. I am not sure if I've seen obese women there. It's just me appreciating women in Myanmar. I just find them beautiful.
My appreciation of Myanmar
Although Myanmar is not a very rich country, I really appreciate the people who helped me. They are not actually rich but they took the time to help a female solo traveler like me in order to reach my next destination safe and sound.
I cannot speak their language and they also have difficulty understanding English, so body language is the key. Or just use simple English words or do the charades.
The transportation is not as convenient as in Japan. But it was not that expensive to get around Myanmar.
If only there was no political problem in Myanmar, I want to go back and explore more. I was there for 28 days.
Welcome to iTravelRox! Roxanne Tamayo is a Cebuana who is a traveler. Now a mom of 2 kids and a wife. She is a travel blogger and a digital nomad. As a Virtual Assistant, she does a lot of things like content writing, WordPress web design, WP updates and maintenance, graphic design, and photo editing. She is into wedding photography, as well.
If you like iTravelRox's content, please don't forget to upvote and leave a comment. She will share a lot of stories about solo travels, motherhood, family travel, and working as a VA.