Tickety-two hours to go.

It's been happening for a couple of days. Usually, I'm borderline narcoleptic, and could continue sleeping past my 6.30am alarm. But for the last couple of mornings, I've been bolt awake at 5-5.30. That's not healthy, but at least it won't be such a shock tomorrow when I'm forced to get up at 5.

It's been an odd 39 days or so since I last posted. Time has felt like a concertina, with de sqveezing and de pulling. The weeks seemed to drag, with every fall of snow making it seem like an eternity away, then all of the sudden, its 14 days to go, 7 days to go, 1 day to go. I'm not been stressed about making reservations as that's all been taken care of weeks or even months in advance this time, but the nervous energy, the anticipation, the hoping that everyone will have a good time and not hate the bookings I've made all doing their best to unhinge me. Which is probably why I wake up at 5.

We've packed and repacked our bags a few times. I've definitely got less stuff this time. But it also makes much more sense to travel lighter. If you can buy stuff like socks cheaper overseas, then why bring old, holey socks with you? Also it means you have more room for bringing stuff back. :)
 
Today, Paul and Zoe fly out. Unfortunately, they have to go through the dreaded Cairns airport, as mid-week flights seem to not go direct. But once they are on the flight to Narita, it should be smooth sailing. We've given them a walkthrough of how to chuck their bags on Takkyubin, how to use the train ticket machines, what stations to get on and off at, so I'm hoping that they shouldn't have any problems before we get there tomorrow night.

Then the fun begins.

As per our tradition, we'll probably get off the plane/train starving, so after getting to the hotel, we'll find the pokiest hole in the wall ramen place we can find, then go to Donki/Donkiote/Don Quixote to get all types of paraphernalia. This year, I've done up a list of things we need or would like. It's things like lip balm, batteries, walkie talkies that would be useful to have in the snow, but which are not as readily available in snow villages. Because Donki is such a jam packed store, it's often easy to forget what you actually need, so a list will be helpful. I'll make sure I get some video of it this time, as I don't think a single picture of the front entrance is sufficient to get the insanity that reigns.

Hopefully I can find some good scotch and dark chocolate as well, because there is nothing like being in the snow with a good scotch and some chocolate. It's possibly a little hedonistic, but if I couldn't enjoy food and drink as results for my hard work, then my quality of life would be all the poorer for it.

Still, I have to work today and must get ready for it. So the next time I write, I'll be about 8,500 kms away from where I am right now. Have fun and we'll see you on the flip side.... of the equator.