First of all, hello and welcome to my little travel blog. I'll try to write something every few days, but let's see how long I can keep it up. xD
On May 5th, my mom drops me off at the airport in Frankfurt. After checking in my suitcase and having a cup of tea together, I proceed to the security check. I immediately get a random explosive check on my backpack. Nothing. Surprise, surprise.
The flight departs around 2:30 PM with a slight delay and lasts 12.5 hours. I arrive in Japan at 11:00 AM and I'm greeted by a staff member who accompanies me to the main train station in Tokyo and helps me purchase tickets for the Shinkansen. From the main station, I have to take a two-hour ride on the bullet train and then switch to a bus to get to the harbor.
The first disruption happens on the train. We're used to it with the German railway, but it's rather unusual in Japan. The train can't continue for a few minutes due to an earthquake, but it doesn't have to stop for long. Upon arriving at Joetsu Station, I realize that I won't make it in time for the last ferry due to the delay of my flight and train connection. The trains to the alternative harbor are no longer operating because of the earthquake. So, I have no choice but to stay overnight in Joetsu and continue the journey the next day. Extremely tired but also relieved that I can take a break, I fall into bed after grabbing some snacks from the konbini (a small store, like a convenience store without a gas station). About four hours later, I wake up again because my bed is shaking. What kind of lousy bed is this? I want to sleep! >:c However, due to the jet lag, that's the end of sleep, and half an hour later, it dawns on me that it was an earthquake that woke me up.
The next morning, after getting about two more hours of sleep, I have breakfast and make my way to the bus station. It's not far, but I still have to wait about three hours for my bus. Since I can't do much with my huge suitcase, I sit on a bench and read. The bus arrives at 12:15 PM and takes about three-quarters of an hour. At the harbor, I buy a ticket for the ferry to Sado, and I finally made it. The ferry ride takes about two and a half hours to Sado, where I am once again picked up by a staff member who drives me to Kononji Temple. I will be spending the next two months here, and as soon as I arrive, I know that I like it here. There are very old wooden buildings, a pond with loudly croaking frogs, and many beautiful, well-maintained plants. I sleep in a tatami room, and after settling in, I receive a brief presentation about the island and the tasks we will be doing in the next few weeks. After dinner, I can finally get some rest.