Would you go on an international trip without your phone?

When I said I would take you on a journey, I meant it. 24 hours ago, I left Japan for a birthday adventure in Thailand. I packed light, feeling confident and ready for the trip. I planned 4 days in Bangkok by myself, and then meeting up with friends in Phuket.

But, as luck would have it, things didn't go as planned. I drove to the train station, grabbed a coffee at 7/11, and waited for the Shinkansen (bullet train). The ride was smooth, five quick stops, and 70 minutes later I arrived at Fukuoka Station. As I went to pull out my phone to scan my wallet to the metro I realized I'd left my phone on the Shinkansen.

I panicked at first,looking around at the hundreds of people exiting, and thinking I didn't have enough time to go back and trace my steps. Could I go on an international trip without a phone? Would I have to cancel my trip? But then I asked myself, "Would you rather take an amazing birthday trip without your phone or stay home?" The answer was clear: I was going to Thailand, phone or no phone. I was going to have to go forward, old school. I took a leap of faith and moved forward confidently.

The idea of traveling for eight days without a phone was daunting. But I had my passport, credit cards, and cash. I was determined to make the most of my adventure.

Ironically I brought my computer along to work on my blog, this was the big reveal weekend for Empty Nest Ikigai. But, I quickly realized I couldn't access everything on my computer because I didn't know all my passwords, and I couldn't verify anything without my phone. That is when It hit me hard: was I really on this trip without a phone?

Besides not having my phone for basic communication, the bigger worry became not having the ability to take pictures. What kind of blogger takes a trip without pictures? That was tough. In my desperation, I brainstormed two options: a new camera or a phone. The mall in central Bangkok is insane. I never found any camera stores, but I did find an Apple store. But I couldn't do it. I went back to my hotel feeling defeated.

After eating dinner and a little more reflection I grabbed a tuk tuk and went back to the Apple store and bought the new phone but guess what I couldn't sync it. No passwords.

So here I am on the morning of my 56th birthday, sitting in my fancy hotel without my iPhone. A new phone sits unused, and a tuk tuk will pick me up soon to take me to a temple that will bring me good luck and fortune.

Note to self: carry a printed copy of important contacts and passwords, and your itinerary.

PS. My phone is safe at the Japan Rail Lost and Found in Fukuoka. Gotta love living in Japan. The question I asked myself before sleep was, "Would you rather lose your phone or your wallet?"

Comments

Embracing a new philosophy in 2025!

The first sunrise of 2025, "Hatsuhinode" is believed to bring good luck in Japan. This year, I've fully embraced the Japanese philosophy of W abi Sabi. I am letting go of the idea of waiting for perfection and embracing the imperfections of my life as perfectly-imperfect. This year, I am fully embracing my life where it is now, and not waiting for “when.” It is a liberating feeling and I am excited about the possibilities. I have always been a little unpredictable and a little more of a free spirit, so W abi Sabi seems fitting. In Japan, I've learned a lot about their way of life. The peace and tranquility here are hard to ignore. It's the people and their lifestyle that make it special. It makes sense that they have a term like Wabi Sabi . It describes their unique state of being. The idea of Empty Nest Ikigai came to me when I said goodbye to my youngest daughter at Haneda airport and she left for college in August 2024. ...

Finding My Ikigai: Crafting a New Chapter in Mexico

"As we walk into the future with purpose, our ikigai will reveal itself. " The Dream That Keeps Growing For as long as I can remember, I’ve had my eye on something just beyond the horizon — something that combines all the things I love into a new and meaningful chapter. I’ve always believed that retirement doesn’t mean the end of making a difference — just the start of doing it in a new way. And although I have a few years to go, I am thinking ahead. This was my first year as an Empty Nester, and as my blog suggested when I started writing, I have been on the search for the next chapter, my Ikigai. I started out unsure of what the future would hold for me, or how I would navigate these new uncharted waters. For the past 26 years my principal role has been Mom first, teacher second, and always a wanderlust at heart. Here’s what I know for sure: I am retiring in Mexico. I want to continue to make a difference. I love traveling, art, and crafting. I thrive when brin...

About Me

My name is Lorena, and I am an American teacher living in Japan, I moved here in 2016 with my daughters. Both my daughters are off pursuing their own dreams and living their best lives in USA, this is my first year as an empty nester, I know based on my life experiences that this year is going to be full of many new adventures and lots of growing pains. I decided to use this blog to document the journey. Living in Japan, has given me the opportunity to live freely and taught me to be more present in the moment, slowing down and appreciating the little things. It has helped me make sense of life and focus on what really matters. I want to share my unique perspective and hopefully my experiences will be inspirational and possibly open up new possibilities As I navigate this new phase of life known as the "Empty Nest," I believe it to be a fertile ground for growth and self-discovery. No longer tethered to the daily responsibilities of parenting, I suddenly...

Empty Nest Ikigai

Search This Blog