Sumimasem, eigoga wakarimas ka?

I'm learning a bit of conversational Japanese in anticipation of the big trip to Japan in just over two weeks. It's getting so close! So far I can say, "excuse me, do you speak English?" and "I don't understand Japanese." Also yes, no, good morning, good afternoon. I think the first phase is the most important. Now I just need to know how to say, "where is the bathroom" and I'll be set.

We'll be in Japan for two weeks, December 15 - 31. Couple days in Tokyo, day in Atami, two in Miyagima Island, a few days in Kyoto, then Osaka and Kobe, then back to Tokyo. Long trip, and I'm glad we are using a travel agent. We didn't have to book anything ourselves, except a tour of the Imperial Palace.

I've emailed a few Tokyo-based knitters off Ravelry to find a yarn store in Tokyo or Kyoto. One of them directed me to KnitMap.com and it is awesome. I'm hoping to get a few skeins of yarn while I'm there, just so I can knit something special from my "Japan stash."

Also, since a certain friend of mine is preggers, I now have an excuse to knit baby stuff! I am so excited. Seriously. I'm debating between a basic baby blanket, or trying to branch out into a little sweater or something. Maybe both!