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Published: June 30th 2007
I'm not quite sure how to put my last weeks in Japan into words... anticipation, excitement, experience, fear, fun, heartache, humidity, numbness, organization, overload, preparation, sadness, stress, thanks, worry. None of these come in any order of chronology or importance (they're actually alphabetical because I'm Kara) because they have all been foremost in my mind at different points throughout the past few weeks. Perhaps the most difficult part of having an amazing life experience is that it eventually comes to a close.
I'm extremely excited about going home. I can hardly wait to see my cat, my family, my friends, my students (here I am listing chronologically so as not to offend anyone). I've missed my loved ones in Canada very much this year and the anticipation of being with them all again is overwhelming. At the same time though, it's scary. This year in Japan has been a great time of self-discovery and, though I'm still the same person I've always been at the core, I know I've changed a lot. It's difficult to be both excited for life in Canada, while also being afraid of how I will fit into it. I suppose it will all be
Nagoya Dragons Game2
I figured I should fully participate on game day, so I cheered, drank beer and ate a hot dog... yay baseball!a part of the reverse culture shock for which I am preparing myself.
More difficult right now is the thought of leaving Hekinan, Japan - this little city that has really felt like home for the past year. As I walked to work the other day, I looked around me and realized how familiar my surroundings are to me, when only a year ago I had taken them in so wide-eyed. That seems so long ago. My life in Japan has been so wonderful and I just can't thank God enough for the opportunity to have experienced it all. It's been a year of relaxation, travel, culture, friendship. It's just heart-wrenching to know that I'll be leaving so much of it behind. Of course I know that many of my memories and friendships will last a lifetime. It's just hard to know that it's coming to an end.
Fear not though... I'm not all pensiveness. I'm taking my last few weeks in Japan to enjoy as much as I possibly can! Since my last entry, I've enjoyed a Nagoya Dragons professional baseball game, a few more karaoke nights, a tour of the Toyota factory in Toyota city, a
Toyota Factory Tour
The futur of automotives... interesting... few afternoons with Miyoko, and a 26th birthday! Mostly, I'm just trying to take advantage of the time I have left with my friends in Japan.
In about twelve and a half hours Christopher will be here. He has been my best support during my year here and I can hardly wait to share my Japanese experience with him. We have a whirlwind ten days to spend before flying home together. They include a going away party in the ACC parking lot, some time in Nagoya, a trip to Tokyo, a hike up Mount Fuji, a few days in Kyoto and Nara, a sumo match, and of course some time spent with friends in Hekinan. Not sure when we'll get a chance to sleep, but if we live to tell the story, you can bet it'll be a good one! (I'll post pictures once I find a computer in Canada... haha!)
At that, I'm signing off. It's been great to share my journey in Japan. I hope you've enjoyed it!
Sayonara!
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Doré
non-member comment
Kara is the coolest little white Japanese girl I know
I fully appreciate (and understand) your pensive and reflective nature at this time. I'm glad you're enjoying the end of your journey. Do me a favour? Load up on good sushi while you can! I love you. See you soon... xxx