Japan 2023

Introduction

This series of posts will be more like a diary of random observations, and less like a consistent story. Over 2 years had passed since that trip, and some memories inevitably got lost (tip: writing things down, even in a keyword form, while on a trip, helps), but… 

This trip was longer than previous one in 2018, and had more complex itinerary:

• Tokyo
• Osaka
• Hiroshima
• Kyoto

And then some “improvised”  day-trips from Tokyo at the end.

Let’s begin with a fact that as of spring 2023, Japan still had some COVID-related restrictions for foreign visitors. You needed to be either fully vaccinated, including 3rd booster shot, or provide a negative COVID test taken within certain time frame before flight. So yes, this complicated things a bit.

I ordered a Japan Rail Pass + data sim card in advance (I could probably find a data sim in Japan too, but just didn’t want to bother). I think 2023 was the final year when Japan Rail Pass still made financial sense (while still being not cheap), after that they raised prices dramatically. I guess you can’t subsidise tourists forever...

 

How to backup photos while traveling

Have you ever wondered how to backup photos from a camera, while on a trip, without needing a computer and internet? 

Well, there are 2 main options for this:

1. Smartphone (or tablet) + USB card reader + external storage if needed (USB flash drive / SSD / ...)
2. Purpose-built proprietary devices (hard drive + battery + card reader combined into 1 device)

Option 2 doesn't sound like a good fit for me - I don't want to rely on a proprietary backup device (which is likely expensive, and also won't be used that much). My idea was to utilize existing (or common / standard) devices as much as possible, so I gravitated towards Option 1 (iPhone + USB-C hub / card reader + USB flash drive). When you have this hardware combo working, you can use standard "Files" app on the iPhone, but it's a bit inconvenient and prone to human errors in this scenario. 

So I asked myself - maybe I should create an app to make (travel) backups more simple and robust (and also learn something about iOS development in the process - I have years of programming experience, but not with iOS specifically)? 

Yes, it took time, but eventually, I created and published the app on App Store. So, if backup problem mentioned above sounds familiar, and you have newer iPhone or iPad, you might give it a try. See app's website for more info - TurtleBackup - offline photo backup app for iPhone

PS. app is free (no ads or other shit) at the moment, and realistically I don't think there's enough potential users to bother making it non-free.

 

It's been a while

More than 4 years since last post... Guess I need to post slightly more often? 😕