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Headed Home
packed and ready Back in Seattle. I had a safe flight home Friday. The jet lag seems to be worse coming back, but that may have more to do with a lagging desire to return to responsibility.
The last day and half were nice. I packed everything up Thursday, and Michi and I headed back to Roppongi (at least I think that's where), to stay in an apartment rented by her family so we could be closer to our plans that evening, and have an easier ride to the airport the next day. Thursday afternoon we met up with Matt, whom we met at the bar Tuesday, and spent the afternoon hanging out. Walking, coffee, shopping, conversation. Very relaxing. We met up with Michi's friend Izumi, and our other friend from the bar, Tak, that evening for dinner. An awesome sashimi place. Another happened-upon local spot with a jovial character running the place and serving up the best sashimi of my trip. A great "last supper."
Michi and I met up with her friend Reiko later that evening (one of the carzy Saturday night friends), and went to a club to see R&B artist Ne-Yo. It was way too packed, and
way too hot, but Ne-Yo was great in the small venue. Then it was back to the apartment for some sleep before heading home the next day. After a nice brunch Friday morning, Michi rode the hour-or-so train ride with me to the airport and saw me off at the gate.
When thinking about this experience, first in order is thanking Michi. She was an unbelievable host, and did quite the job thinking up sights to see and things to do. I arrived to Japan with no travel guide or conrete ideas on what to see, so Michi did an amazing job at exposing me to all the great things about Tokyo, and Kyoto. I love her dearly, and enjoyed reliving moments from our college days together. She is one of the few friends I still have from that time, and so knows me very well. It is so strange to think about who I was then, what I have gone through since, and the journey that has shaped whom I am today. College Nate seems like a lifetime ago. It's hard to believe it's the same person. But, Michi is one of the great reminders of all the
Last Sashimi
the best so far.. good of that time, and I cherish her friendship and influence along the way. I am lucky our worlds collided.
And now, nearly 10 years since our time at Seattle U, I've had the opportunity for our worlds to collide once again, but this time on her turf. Granted, it's only two weeks and vacation this time instead of school. But, to get the chance visit Michi in her country can only lead to a deeper understanding of who she is. Thank you for making this trip the best it could be, Michi.
I've always believed you can learn a great deal about a person through knowing their friends, and further saw the strength of Michi's character by meeting a few of hers. What wonderful people - Reiko, Izumi and Iku. All warm, open, and welcoming. Reiko's playfulness was great and we all definately had fun having fun. Izumi's understated intelligence and authenticity made me immediately comfortable. Her warm heart is unmistakable. A beautifully genuine person. Iku I only had the chance to spend a few hours with on that crazy Saturday night. She saved herself by leaving before the night took hold of itself. But, dining with
Last Dinner
Michi, Izumi, new friends Matt and Tak, and me her and having a couple drinks made me curious to know more. Also very warm and welcoming. All fit well into Michi's life and they all reflect the best in each other.
Tokyo is an amazing city. One of the great cities of the world. Gorgeously dense with stunningly engineered skyscrapers, and seemingly endless displays of color. At night, the lights are overwhelming, but not garish. It all seems almost natural - that the city itself has grown from the earth, rooted and advanced with a life of its own. Strange to remind myself that this is all human-made and accomplshed. Tokyo almost feels like a natural phenomenon.
And then to leave that all behind on a speeding train to Kyoto. I know I've already gone on plenty about the shrines and temples visited, and the beauty of the countryside along the way. Walking on the grounds of and seeing an ancient piece of history of a culture so far removed from my own... I'm having a difficult time articulating its affect on me. It's fascinating to see, and interesting to think about America's infancy in comparison with with rest of the world.
I am curious to
Last Dinner
gonna miss you.. know more about Japanese culture, it's people, and customs. I got only glimpse in my 12 days there. Would love to return and learn more.
So, back home with great memories to relive in the coming days, and store away in my noggin and heart.
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Michi
non-member comment
(TOT) Naaaaatttteeeeee !
I miss you already so much and Thank You for visiting me in Japan. As you said in your blog, yes we have come a loooooong way since our college days, but you are still the same person to me. I am sure you are a lot differnt in some ways, but there are certain things that would never change, and that is why I love you. Please let me tell you again that how thankful I am that you came here when I am having this important period of my life and helped me to feel myself again. Thank you for being such a good friend as always XxXxX! I think of you always, and please keep your blog after this trip. Michi xxx