Matta, ne

"A friend is one with whom you are comfortable, to whom you are loyal, through whom you are blessed, and for whom you are grateful."

In the blink of an eye, my trip has come to a close. Words that come to mind are blessed, triumphant, amazing, unforgettable, healing, hilarious...

In just under three months, I was able to do everything I needed to do. I enjoyed the full spectrum of this wonderful country from the food

To the magnificent landscape

To the culture

I met up with past students

And fell in love with new ones

But most importantly, I reconnected with my loved ones

I can never properly express my adoration of these ladies. They are each amazing women who are so dear to me and I'll never cease to be amazed at the great blessing of having them in my life.

And now, I'm ready to be back. I'm ready to put this blog to rest once and for all. A part of my heart will always be in Japan but I'm ready now. Ready for new adventures - here in Chicago or wherever life may take me next.

ありがとう日本。また、ね。

Thank you, Japan. Until next time...

Fairy Tale Trip

Once upon a time, two best friends took a trip together

They took a train to a place called Hakone.
There, they got on a ropeway and rode high up into the moutains

Waiting for them at the top of the ropeway was the towering, majestic Mt. Fuji

That evening, they settled into their hotel, a traditional Japanese style room.

Out their window, Mt. Fuji greeted them.

That evening, the settled into the hotel's hot springs and watched the sun set on the mountain.
(pictures, however, were not allowed)

The next day, the took the ropeway down the mountain and came upon a lake.

They boarded a large boat and sailed across the lake

Arriving at the other side, the two best friends waved goodbye to Mt. Fuji and headed home.

That, in a nutshell, was my unforgettable trip.

Meri Kurisumasu

Christmas time is upon us! Coming from a place where "Holiday Season" is the PC term these days, it's funny to see the word "Christmas" plastered on every corner. Of course, Christmas in Japan is a little different than Christmas (sorry, the holiday season) in America. It's all Santa Claus, Christmas music and...most of all, Christmas Lights. I've never seen so many beautiful displays of Christmas lights (or 'illuminations' as they are called here). Here are a few of my favorites:

Shinjuku, Marui Building

Nagoya Station

Nagoya Station

Omote sando

Tokyo Station

Roppongi

Roppongi (That's Tokyo Tower in the background)

Korakuen

Korakuen

Fall in Japan

I can hardly believe I only have one month left! Time is just flying by. These last two weeks, I have done all I can to experience Japan's beautiful fall seasons. I traveled to Kyoto, climbed Mt. Takao and visited the Emperor's Palace, all famous for their beautiful autumn colors.

Catching up

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to go "home" - back to the city where I spent over a year living and working: Okazaki.

I'll be honest, it was weird at first. I felt like I was walking through a ghost town. Not that the town was deserted - rather it was lively and just as I remembered it. But because of that, I kept feeling like...things should be as they were. There were so many corners and restaurants and buildings and parks that conjured up such vivid memories, I found myself expecting familiar faces to turn the corner and pick up where we left off.

All that to say, it was good to go back and demystify a little. Also, eating at my favorite Indian restaurant was pretty awesome too. I missed that place.

Anyway!

While I was out there, I had the chance to meet with the family of one of my students who, when I last saw him, was just turning one.

He's a little older now.

And best of all, I got to spend some time with my dear friend Mika

Who took me to all my favorite haunts like Gyu Kaku

Izakaya #2

Hatcho Miso factory

And even Nagoya for some fabulous festival food

Don't know if you picked up on the theme of our adventures together...........

kawaii jyan!

Ask any student of the Japanese language and they'll be able to tell you the word for "cute" (kawaii). This may seem like an odd word to be universally known...until you find out that 'cute' is ingrained in the Japanese culture. Everything - no seriously - EVERYTHING is cute. For some reason, it never seems to get old for me...

Meet PiPo-kun, the symbol of the Tokyo police.
With his danger sensing antennae and super big ears to hear cries for help (no seriously), he puts fear into the hearts of criminals everywhere.

What better way to warn train passengers not to get hurt by the closing
door than with a cute kitty?

Say hello to Kenketsu-chan, the blood donation mascot!
Her ears are droplets of blood and her smile gets bigger the more you donate.

This was looping at the Chinatown train station. Silly concierge touch card can't seem to figure out what he's supposed to touch. Thank goodness he figures it out in the end!

Kawaii...ne?

but some things never change

As much as I can revel in all the fun things that feel so different, the truth is - they're just the little things. No matter what side of the planet you're on, the pains and joys of life are exactly the same.

The couple I am staying with was expecting their first child but my dear friend found out she had a miscarriage. It's a sad time in the house, so please send your prayers their way.