Im leaving, on a jet plane

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Well were all packed up this morning, just using the computers here at the hostel one last time (they charge $10 per person after check out). Then were going to do some last minute shopping and head for the airport afternoon.

Some of our closing thoughts:

Japan is very clean for the most part, though there are some dirty places, just like any densly populated country

I like riding the subway and trains, Im not looking forward to driving everywhere when I get home.

I like riding bikes without fear that Im going to get plowed by a semi.

Trees grow greener here

Everyone should wear uniforms

Fancy hats

Free tissues

Food served at restaurants looks exactly like whats on the menu

Good food at the convience stores

Convenience stores at every corner!!

Things that I wont miss:
Not being able to read the street signs or menus

People staring

Lack of variety in restaurants (weve eaten either noodles, curry, or deep fried foods the past two weeks)

Department stores with 15 floors

Escalators

Not being able to see the sky (lots of stuff is underground here)


Thanks to everyone (station masters, random English blokes, Japanese school children, monks, old men on bikes, etc. etc.) who helped us navigate our way through Japan.

Thanks to everyone at home: mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, close relatives, far relatives, friends, and everyone else for reading about our trip and answering the phone when we called.

See you soon!!

Amanda & Robert

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