A Slow Goodbye to Aomori Winter Morning

Hello from Aomori. I woke up with a headache today—most likely self-inflicted by sleeping too much (thank you, medicine), combined with a weird sleeping arrangement. There’s something quietly sad about waking up on vacation already feeling exhausted.

I’m writing this from the hotel bed. We’re staying at ReLabo Medical Spa & Stay, and Fafa is already off at the gym. He’ll be back with a coffee treat soon. For now, I’m staying put, wrapped in stillness, enjoying the beautiful view framed by the room’s wide window.

A slow morning, a slow goodbye to Aomori

What I managed to forget on this trip—despite knowing better—is self-care. The unglamorous kind. The kind that involves not doom-scrolling, sticking to routines and rituals, and remembering to drink water regularly. I keep abandoning my routines the moment I travel, as if they no longer apply because I’m not in my natural habitat. But routines and rituals are not optional extras for me; they are quite literally the key to my survival. When will I learn?

Still, there are things to look forward to today—my last day in Aomori.

An onsen hour with Fafa: hot water, a beautiful view, and Aomori liquor (morning alcohol is a very specific kind of self-care I allow myself while travelling), a temporary reset. An Aomori nokkedon breakfast. Ekiben on the way to Tokyo—hopefully featuring a local delicacy, though I’m prepared to avoid anything apple-related. The train ride itself. And finally, the thrill of hunting down a really good dinner in Tokyo.

I’m also looking forward to the newness that travel brings—this time in the quiet rhythms of everyday life in Japan. Adding novelty to my life. Expanding it just a little with each unfamiliar moment. That’s the whole point of travelling, isn’t it? Even when I’m constantly tending to this persistent fever.

Thank you, Aomori. You’ve been magical, healing, and sweet. Till we meet again.

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