The Countdown Begins

Our departure is less than 12 days away; which means all of my free time has been devoted to finalizing plans for our upcoming journey. Yes, I'm still planning out the details of the trip .. Unlike most of the trips we've taken in the past, we completely procrastinated on this one - airline tickets bought 3 weeks ago and last set of hotel reservations made 2 weeks ago. So now I'm spending my days trying to figure out what we want to DO while we're away.  Typically I don't go into planning overload but we're planning on visiting 2 countries in 17 days. That sounds like plenty of time, but there's just so much of this world I want to see. No number of days is ever enough for me =)


So I guess I should back up and explain why we're travelling in the first place .. and why we procrastinated so much =p


The whole reason we're packing our bags and jumping on a plane is to be a part of our cousin's wedding in the Philippines. And what took us to long to make arrangements? Well, we wanted to make the most of the excursion. We wanted details on what the rest of the family is planning so we can be in the Philippines for the really important events and then spend our other vacation days on side trips.


After many emails, research and reviews of our work calendar, we were able to finalize at least where we going and for how many days:
1 Day in LA - To visit with friends and family
5 Days in Manila - Filled with wedding preparations and quality family time
5 Days in Palawan - To Rest, Relax and hopefully get pampered =)
4.5 Days in Tokyo - To see and experience completely new things


Planning for the time in the Philippines was a breeze. We've been there many times before and pretty much knew what we want to do in Manila. All we had to do is work those things around the times we're required to partake in family affairs. Palawan is pretty much free time as all I really want to do is lounge around pool/beach side while enjoying the company of my extended family. The part of the trip that is mostly occupying my time and has turned me once again into a "list/itinerary" monster is Tokyo. So little time for such a big city. I had a hard time picking and choosing from all the many, many things I want to do. The more I research, the more I add to the list and then face the dilemma of deciding what to take off. I've finally buckled down on the daytime/historical/tourist sites I'd like to see. My next area to explore is nightlife and food! I know what I want to try, it's now a matter of locating possible restaurants. 

Message from a Noob

So ...
I've been told a few times to start a blog, but I've always been hesitant to do so for many reasons.
1. I really didn't think I had anything to write regularly about.
2. I'm not a great writer. Sure I can write up facts, analysis and rationals, but when it comes to writing about my thoughts and experiences, I lack experience. Simply said, I suck at it (so I like to keep that writing to myself).
3. I was fearful that no one would be interested in what I wrote. The thought of zero followers or comments is a bit of a downer.
But ... 
I've realized, I'm no longer worried what others think of my writing or my interests. I've decided to create this blog for me and those who want to read about my travels and my eats. 


So why Tasty Travels .. 
Let's face it, if you know me well, you know one of the main reasons I travel is to enjoy yummy treats and try foods I can't get (or get as good) at home.  Food pictures are scattered throughout all my travel photo albums. After trips to the Philippines, Australia, Montreal, Mexico and North Carolina, I finally decided I wanted to document my next trip with more than photographs. I always tried to keep a journal with me, but I was never able to keep up with them.  So I took the leap and started this blog - so please bear with me as I figure out how work this thing.


Wish me luck!