Okay, I'm determined to get better at this blogging thing! Especially because there will be a change of pace in my adopted Japanese life. After three years in lovely, picturesque Hokkaido, I've decided to try the fast-paced life of Tokyo. And I couldn't be more excited. Hokkaido is very different from mainland Japan, not so traditional, and incredibly spacious! I'm really looking forward to seeing a little more of Japanese culture and catching the crazy Tokyo trains (hold me to that, because I'm sure I'll be sick of them soon enough!)
At the moment the plan is to find a job, (probably something English-teaching related, as there are so many of those on offer!) and move into a little apartment of my own (no more 5 year-old hand-me-down couch!) and set up my new life. I don't really have an end point in mind, so I think I'll be in Japan for a long while yet! I'm already going gaga over Ikea catalogues! I have to try and not get ahead of myself ;-)
I have a bunch of mixed emotions about this decision. I'm finding it really hard to imagine saying goodbye to all of the wonderful people I have met here. I have made some really amazing friends. Teachers that were afraid to talk to me 3 years ago are now banting with me in the staffroom. I feel like I've got a little Yuni family here. I know my way around, and if I'm ever in any sort of trouble, there's someone I can call. I've had so many members of my family come and visit me that I feel everyone knows me pretty well, and we have a lot of common ground now.
I've grown to love the Hokkaido snow. I went from being a complete dunce on the slopes to sliding down on my beloved board quite smoothly (if I do say so myself..) Moving to Tokyo will mark an end to copious amounts of powder snow and snow cleaning (yay), but I'm determined to get back at least once every winter for a boarding holiday (and to visit my dear friends!)
The other half of me is excited beyond words! I can't wait to do so many things, and see so many of the places I've wanted to see for three years but haven't been able to because of the time and money it takes to go anywhere from Hokkaido. I have a huuuuge list of places I want to see, things I want to do (finally going to join a Kimono Club!), festivals I want to go to (i.e. ALL of them). I can't wait to be closer to so many of the Japanese friends I've made over the years of hosting Japanese students. My host mother from my first trip to Japan (10 years ago) and I have kept in contact and I can't wait to see her again. I could go on and on and on about all the things I want to do, but I'd be here forever! Let's just leave it at this: I've found my calling, and you'll be hearing a lot more from me and my new adventures! Let's go!
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