Nothing great is created suddenly, any more than a bunch of grapes or a fig. If you tell me that you desire a fig. I answer you that there must be time. Let it first blossom, then bear fruit, then ripen. - Epictetus
It was a sudden impulse, rooted from my sister's invitation for us to visit Japan and I am one click away to my first overseas getaway. No passport, no visa and only a handful of peso in my savings account, I took the risks. Full of optimism, I still have six months to prepare all this, and clicked!
The past six months was never easy. I invested time and money to prepare my passport and visa. Most especially, a bunch of no's to material things and out-of-town invitations from friends just to feed my savings account. Conflicts arise because of my resignation and new work, misunderstandings and compromises were made to my partner. The 9-month preparation challenged my patience and each time, the optimism fades but I hanged on even if the excitement fell to zero.
Last 7-11 March 2016, I set foot and lived shortly but blissfully in Japan. The most important lesson I learned on this trip is that the fruit of your labor and patience is the most succinct.
