• Travel

    2023 US Passport Wait Times

    September 22, 2023 - By 

    In 2023, three members of my family had to get our US passports. The news claimed that passports were taking much longer than usual because of renewed interest in travel post-pandemic. The official website https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/processing-times.html let us know that there were indeed longer processing times: For my family, the time to receive the new passport from mail-in date ranged from 3 weeks (Tremendously quick, considering it was normal service!) to 11 weeks. The one that took 11 weeks of wait time was the last one, so we were getting a bit concerned given the others were so quick! Renewal of…

  • Travel

    How to Make Pokémon Cafe Osaka Reservations – Japan

    September 21, 2023 - By 

    There are two Pokémon Cafes in Japan: Tokyo and Osaka. They are extremely popular to the point that it is difficult, though quite possible, to get reservations. Pokémon Cafe is known more for the decor and getting to eat curry out of a snorlax’s tummy than it is for the quality of the food. In fact, I have heard rather negative reviews with regards to actual food quality here. Food presentation, on the other hand, is rated high. However, for another incentive, there is “Special” Pokémon merchandise (limit of 3) that can only be purchased during the reservation. In 2023,…

  • Travel

    maidreamin – chain maid cafe in Akihabara

    October 22, 2018 - By 

    When I was in Akihabara, my friend was very interested in visiting a maid cafe. I was a bit curious, too, because I had been hearing a lot about the maid cafes of Japan. We ended up in a chain maid cafe called maidreamin located very close to the Akihabara Station. To find it, you do have to go in what looks like a side door and then up some stairs, but the very large logo on the wall will tell you that you are on the correct path. In 2018, there is a ¥500 cover charge for entry +…