Sayonara Patch, Konnichiwa Japan!

My bags are all packed; I have my passport and boarding pass; I'm ready to jet off to Japan today for a week-long vacation!

As most of you all know, I was born in Japan and lived there until I was 7 years old. (Trivia of the day: English is actually my second language!)

I'll be flying into Osaka first to see my incredible grandparents and spend the second leg of my trip in Tokyo to catch up with friends and family.

I haven't been back to Japan since January 2009 so I'm looking forward to exploring new places and revisiting my old stomping ground (including Shibuya--check out the video I took two years ago at the famous scramble crosswalk). I'm also curious to see how Japan is doing since the devastating earthquake and tsunami earlier this year.

I will be back on Sunday, Nov. 27. But in the meantime, substitute editor will be here to keep you updated on your daily local news and information on Gig Harbor Patch.

If you'd like to submit a news tip, you can reach Marci at mdbaker401@gmail.com or 253-851-8859.

If you've ever been to Japan, I'd love to hear your recommendations on activities and places to visit. I'll make sure to be a responsible tourist and take plenty of photos to share with you when I get back.

Sayonara ('goodbye' in Japanese) for now!