RickinNYC
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 22, 2003
- Messages
- 7,870
Here's a bit of background. I'm half Japanese, Mom was born and raised in Japan. We were stationed there from 74-80. All of my relatives on Mom's side are still there, she's the only one to have left the country. I went back for the first time in 27 years just last year. It was a fantastic trip with lots of sightseeing and touring, visiting with relatives and just catching up after so much time had gone by.
Joe was unable to go because Mom had insisted we travel in April when it wasn't quite as hot. No big deal, but Joe really wanted to be there but his job (teacher) schedule wouldn't allow for a two and a half week absence. At the time, I had no idea how much he really wanted to go. I know he's never been out of the country prior to meeting me, and even then, he's only been to Bermuda, Bahamas, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. He's never done true international travel and really wants to start.
Anyway, Mom called this past summer and said she wanted to go again next year and would be willing to go in July to accommodate Joe's schedule. She really wants him to come and meet the other half of the family. Very awesome!
Here's the kicker. Now with the financial crisis as it is, I'm wondering if this level of travel expense is smart? The practical side of me says don't go, don't spend the money. The flight alone for both of us would amount to $4000-4500 total. The bullet train ticket would be another $300-400. Most all of our housing is accounted for since we'll be staying with relatives for a good chunk. We'd only need a hotel for three nights in Kyoto and two nights in Tokyo. Otherwise, we're all set.
BUT, my aunt is Mom's older sister by many years. She's in her mid-80's. When I saw her last year, she was incredibly frail. Since then, she's been prone to illness and easily tired. Mom was pretty blunt when she said that next year is likely the last I'll have the opportunity to see my aunt.
I'll also be honest and tell you that due to the language barrier, plus the 27 years that went by without having seen my older relatives, I'm not particularly close to them. I love them, but I'm just not close. I did reestablish bonds last year, but nothing grossly significant.
Another consideration is my own mother. She's slowing down at 73. Going to Japan with her would be fantastic. Last year, we walked the streets of her home town and she just kept up a running narrative of stories of her life there. Fascinating and moving. I felt like we only touched the tip of a huge iceberg.
Here's my quandary. Do Joe and I spend $5000 next year for a two and a half week trip to Japan, see the country, visit with my relatives, do the Mom/son bonding? Or do we hope for the best ,wait until things blow over whether it's in 2010 or later, and keep our money for the time being?
Considerations: Neither Joe nor I are in jeopardy of losing our jobs. But I do have a fatalistic "y'never know" thought flying around my head.
Thoughts?
Joe was unable to go because Mom had insisted we travel in April when it wasn't quite as hot. No big deal, but Joe really wanted to be there but his job (teacher) schedule wouldn't allow for a two and a half week absence. At the time, I had no idea how much he really wanted to go. I know he's never been out of the country prior to meeting me, and even then, he's only been to Bermuda, Bahamas, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. He's never done true international travel and really wants to start.
Anyway, Mom called this past summer and said she wanted to go again next year and would be willing to go in July to accommodate Joe's schedule. She really wants him to come and meet the other half of the family. Very awesome!
Here's the kicker. Now with the financial crisis as it is, I'm wondering if this level of travel expense is smart? The practical side of me says don't go, don't spend the money. The flight alone for both of us would amount to $4000-4500 total. The bullet train ticket would be another $300-400. Most all of our housing is accounted for since we'll be staying with relatives for a good chunk. We'd only need a hotel for three nights in Kyoto and two nights in Tokyo. Otherwise, we're all set.
BUT, my aunt is Mom's older sister by many years. She's in her mid-80's. When I saw her last year, she was incredibly frail. Since then, she's been prone to illness and easily tired. Mom was pretty blunt when she said that next year is likely the last I'll have the opportunity to see my aunt.
I'll also be honest and tell you that due to the language barrier, plus the 27 years that went by without having seen my older relatives, I'm not particularly close to them. I love them, but I'm just not close. I did reestablish bonds last year, but nothing grossly significant.
Another consideration is my own mother. She's slowing down at 73. Going to Japan with her would be fantastic. Last year, we walked the streets of her home town and she just kept up a running narrative of stories of her life there. Fascinating and moving. I felt like we only touched the tip of a huge iceberg.
Here's my quandary. Do Joe and I spend $5000 next year for a two and a half week trip to Japan, see the country, visit with my relatives, do the Mom/son bonding? Or do we hope for the best ,wait until things blow over whether it's in 2010 or later, and keep our money for the time being?
Considerations: Neither Joe nor I are in jeopardy of losing our jobs. But I do have a fatalistic "y'never know" thought flying around my head.
Thoughts?
