Argentina, Chile
2026/02/19
I turned 67 during the trip, and my physical condition has made it difficult to plan long-distance travels, but I was able to receive support during the planning stage and have a trip that suited me.
India
2026/02/19
1. I wanted to go to the Jaisalmer Desert Festival → Achieved
2. Interaction with a Rajasthani folk music group → Achieved
It was amazing to enjoy performances and interactions with top musicians at the Desert Festival. It was also nice to listen to music and interact during the hotel dinner.
However, the special performance in the desert for me, for which I paid an additional fee, was by a group of boys aged 12 to 18, and the harmonium was not musical at all, and the singing was terrible.
I included interactions with performers in the travel schedule and paid an additional fee, but I cannot accept that I paid a high price for a group of boys who were not skilled enough. Moreover, I would have been fine just listening to the music, but they prepared a special chair and table for me, along with juice, cola, water, and nuts, which was a waste of effort with 4 to 5 men preparing it.
I wanted to listen to and interact with professional-level performers. This is a significant deduction.
I should have made such a request in advance, perhaps...
During the trip, my friend’s brother, who is the manager of an Indian restaurant in Osaka, asked me to come to his wedding party in Khajuraho, and despite the short notice, it was really great that it happened. Friends and family were delighted. I also performed Indian songs there.
The guide, Ramanand, did an excellent job.
The hospitality was top-notch.
I would give him 200 points out of 100.
On the last day of the trip, I visited Ramanand's home and was treated to lunch. He said it was the first time a Japanese guest had come to his home. The visit to Ramanand's home was my suggestion. I originally wanted to interact with people rather than just sightseeing, so this suggestion was spot on.
However, if Ramanand could improve his Japanese a bit more, he could become an even better guide, so I deduct 50 points, making the total score 150 out of 100 for this trip.
I will attach photos.
P.S.
It was also good that I could buy the desired instrument at the music store.
The travel expenses were a bit high, but having the guide with me was efficient, and I don’t think I could have achieved this schedule on my own with a budget trip. Moving with the guide was smooth, and the efficiency for what I wanted to do was very good.
Costa Rica
2026/02/18
Costa Rica, a dream I longed for...
I encountered the long-desired Quetzal, hummingbirds, macaws, toucans, and many other birds I saw for the first time, it was a continuous dream. In Costa Rica's tropical rainforests, tropical dry forests, and tropical cloud forests, various plants and animals exist... and how colorful the creatures that exist are...
Not only birds but also cute animals, from frogs to reptiles like crocodiles, butterflies, and even insects in areas I usually dislike seemed adorable, which was a great harvest 🤭
During the travels, the local guides shared stories about Costa Rica's culture, history, and current economy, and they were filled with wonderful insights and hospitality, for which I have nothing but respect and gratitude.
The 11 days spent in the paradise of Costa Rica were a series of unforgettable happy moments.
From the arrival at the airport to the last day of my return, I was greatly taken care of by guide Mr. Harada and driver Mr. Carlos.
Thank you very much ☺️
I hope to visit again someday ♪
Argentina
2026/02/17
The car pickup was a Benz, and the attire was in suits and ties, and despite the language barrier, they communicated properly about how many minutes until arrival and explained the history thoroughly. The level of the guide and driver was excellent. Especially since we were not good at English, we made an effort to listen carefully, but when we couldn't understand, they patiently explained again and again, and we are very grateful. It was the best tour. If there are opportunities in the future, we look forward to it.
Chile
2026/02/17
I couldn't speak Spanish or Portuguese, so the local support was very helpful.
It was a selfish plan, but thank you for your assistance.
Argentina
2026/02/16
A solo trip to Patagonia, it was a solo trip for an elderly person, but with all the arrangements made in advance, I had a very enjoyable trip without any problems.
In particular, the trekking in Torres del Paine National Park was wonderful, and the well-maintained trails were friendly to the elderly, providing a fantastic experience.
India
2026/02/16
I visited many temples and could hardly remember their names (laughs)
What left the biggest impression on me was the magnificence of the Taj Mahal and the scenes of bathing and cremation along the Ganges River.
Also, when I toured Old Delhi by tuk-tuk, the crowd and noise allowed me to experience the energetic India.
Egypt
2026/02/12
I felt that I was able to enjoy the best trip to Egypt, surrounded by the best staff, with a strong sense of security and safety, thanks to the care of the head of the local travel agency, the arrangements, knowledge, and attentiveness of the guides, and the support from the Japanese staff during certain times.
I was particularly impressed by the knowledge, attentiveness, and initiative of our local guide Wala, who took care of us throughout Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, and the Nile River cruise. I would like to request Wala again when I go on another trip to Egypt.
Thank you all very much for your help.
Turkey
2026/02/06
The tour design, which was based on confirming detailed requests, was very satisfying. I would like to ask again next time!
Finland
2026/02/05