What a difference a year makes
Standing on the other side of this year, I had no idea what to expect from my time in Japan. Everybody had said that it would change me, that it would be an experience of a lifetime. I honestly thought I was not going to last the year at some points, this alien culture didn't seem to suit me ad I had a terrible bout of homesickness, yet I wouldn't have changed anything for the world. That age-old saying, what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger...
I love being able to speak some Japanese, that is one thing I am going to miss sorely. It's bizarre how one day a language just sounds like gobbledy-gook and a few months later, comprehensable sounds and meanings come flooding through the ears. Helena and Charlotte have always maintained that I am making Vietnamese up as I go along since the language sounds so strange to them and Japanese used to be the same for me. Nothing but tat tat tat tat tat ne.
I really do feel like I have grown up a lot in the past year, I have always seen myself as an independent kinda gal but the test was to leave home and country. I was completely shocked by how hard it was living without my support network and it certainly made me realise how valuable all my friends and family were to me. I had never been alone alone at home, people were always buzzing about, popping in, having tea. I hated being alone, but Chastity Towers was such a fortress that friends couldn't simply pop in and out of my room regularly. Emma and I hardly ever saw each other in our own block, which always made us celebrate on the occassions when we actually bumped into each other on our corridor. So slowly, I got used to the quietness and you know what, it wasn't half bad. Valuable lesson learnt.
What did I make of life in Japan? The people have been absolutely great, the food somewhat enlightening, the politics baffling, the traditions beautiful, the weather better than home, and the experience invaluable.
The thanhinjapan chapter is coming to a close; I have debated whether to keep this blog going and I have decided to let it rest in peace. My blogging dedication will definately wane with the student's hectic schedule of lunches, furniture rearranging, tea breaks, Neighbours and Diagnosis Murder, all demanding my time and attention. Alas, there is simply not enough time in the day.
Farewell, adieu!
posted by Thanh @ 1:36 pm
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