Cruz

When I said I was considering a trip to Tunisia, P exclaimed, “What? You wanna conquer all the places starting with T, is it?”

Hahaha. Turkey, Thailand, Taipei and Tokyo are some of my favourite places on the planet, but it wasn’t because Tunisia began with a T. I was looking for an exotic holiday destination. I like totally foreign locations, I like historical ruins, and I don’t need to shop till I drop or buy souvenirs for people. I’m prepared to sample food that is alien to what we usually eat here, and I don’t need chili to go with my meals.

Unfortunately, my deposit was returned with an apology note. Tunisia is so exotic that they couldn’t put together enough people to form a tour.

At this point, I am so hoping that a travel agency will have me lead a tour there next year. I mean, it’s not a place where you can easily do free and easy. And if no one does any extensive marketing for this destination, my deposits will always be returned. Can someone please bring me to Tunisia? Either that, or tell me that Tunisia is actually a so-so location and that I can set my sights on somewhere else. Heh.

I’ll be spending the next few days in Hokkaido. Mary carefully vetted the various options for me. There was an itinerary promising superb scenery. “No, I don’t like lakes. What? There are three lakes on that list? No!”

The Bosphorus (Turkey), Sun Moon Lake (Taiwan), Seven Stars Lake (Taiwan), Lake Ashi (Japan), Lake Taupo (New Zealand)… They all look the same to me! I don’t like lakes, or other assorted water catchment places. I like stones, ie mountains and other natural rock formations, or ancient manmade landmarks like castles, temples or churches.

I’ll be having many many bowls of ramen, topped with sashimi, tempura and crab. I hope all the extra calories will magically burn off in the onsen. That is vital, cos I’ll also be raiding the Ishiya Factory. They are the ones who are responsible for making Asia fat with the legendary Shiroi Koibito, otherwise known as 白色戀人.

In lieu of the lake hopping schedule, I’ll be at Chitose Factory Outlet Mall Rera. I just googled. There’s Hugo Boss. Nice. And there’s Tanuki Koji Shopping Arcade, the longest shopping street in Hokkaido.

I know I just said that I don’t need to shop. That’s only applicable for places like Tunisia, and perhaps Turkey. Maybe I should just bring along one credit card.