Tuesday, May 21, 2013

My Family are such Gaijin! XP

GAHHHHHH! needed to get that off my chest, as much as I love my family, being the only one here who can speak Japanese and know how things run here is rather stressful.  My family is depending on me and it's like I have suddenly become a mother to grown adult triplets. XP

Of course, today was their first day here, so naturally they had a lot of culture shock and confusion.  I was the same way, well maybe a little bit better off, as I could at least speak the language when I came here, but still I try to be patient with them.  It's actually quite funny now to watch them react to things that I think are so normal now.  Things like kaiten sushi and maid cafes and walking on the left side of the street.

When I return to America I'll probably have some reverse culture shock, like hearing English everywhere and seeing white people.

I'm sure things will get better as they adjust.  The day was fun regardless so all is well.

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Last Day in Nagoya

Today was my last day here in Nagoya. It's hard to believe that it is all coming to an end now.  It seems like only yesterday I arrived here by bullet train from Tokyo.

I have a strange mix of happiness and sadness.  I'm excited to see my family for the first time in 5 months and to see my friends in Tokyo, but I was sad to say goodbye to all of the friends I have made here.

My time in Japan is coming to an end.  I feel so lucky that I get to end my journey with my family here with me.

The person I was when I arrived here way back in August and the person I am now are different people.  I have grown more in this one year than I did for several years in America.

I will never forget the memories and friends I have made here - my life is forever changed.  And although my Japanese is still not very good, I feel like in the end that is just a minor fact.  The journey I traveled here, on my own two feet, is the real reward.

A chapter in my life is ending now.  And I look forward to a new beginning.

I can't wait to see what plans God has in store for me in the future. Only time will tell.

I still got 2 weeks in Japan, so I plan to live it up!

Until next week!

Saturday, May 11, 2013

My final days in Nagoya

This is my last week in Nagoya.  I only have one final left on Monday, and then it's packing until I leave on Sunday to move back to Tokyo for one last vacation.

Today was my last day at Judo.  I really enjoyed Judo, but I realized that I do not love it.  My real sport of choice is dancing.  I could dance forever.  And horseback riding and archery   Still, I enjoyed doing Judo and interacting with the Japanese students.  I have certainly become stronger from it and it was an experience I wont forget.

Also today I went to a kimono-wearing class.  I dont know how any one is suppose to put those things on by themselves! XP Only with the help of the teacher was I able tog et mine on.  But it sure looks beautiful. :)

For my last week here in Nagoya I plan on taking lots of small days trips.  Trying to get everything in before I leave.

My family will be coming to Tokyo soon, and I cant wait to see my family face-to-face after 5 months of being away!

The end is neigh, though I'm not quite ready to leave Japan yet.

Almost there.