“How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard” – Winnie the Pooh
Well, October has come and gone in a blink of an eye and boy, what a month it’s been. I know I say that in just about every post, but I think this month takes the prize. This month was a giant roller coaster of emotions. But despite the downs, I’m very grateful for the ups I had and the people in my life to share them with. And even though the downs were hard, it’s making me stronger and I know it’s going to be okay.
For starters, those who have lost someone close, admire you for your strength. I’ve recently learned something like this tests you in so many ways. Having to pick up the pieces and carry on is hard, and trying to be optimistic about how things turn out can feel almost impossible. But, I’ve learned you can get through anything with good friends, good support system, and faith. Without those three things, I don’t know where I would be. I don’t think I can say enough how thankful I am for the friends I’ve made here and the support system I have in Japan as well as in America. For those who are still struggling, know that you’re not alone, even though it may feel that way.
On a happier note, I celebrated my 24th birthday in Japan! It’s so strange to say I’m now 24… One more year and I can rent a car! YES! I got to spend my birthday in Tokyo, went to Hard Rock for a good ol’ American burger (pulled pork without the bun for me) and then Disneyland the next day! Disneyland was amazing! This was by far the best birthday I’ve had and I know I will always remember that day with a giant smile on my face. I wish I could just replay that entire weekend over again.
Something else that’s exciting is that I had my first visitor that’s not family! She spent a total of 10 days in Japan which gave us plenty of time to travel around Japan! Our first trip was to Nikko to see the temples and shrines. We went to the shogun complex which had a series or Buddhist and Shinto shrines and temples. A couple were under construction (getting ready for the 2020 olympics maybe?) but it was still really pretty there. This is where the shrine of the monkeys are (see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil monkeys) and this is also where the shogun is kept! You can walk by the door that he’s behind! We weren’t able to see everything so I will have to go back again to see everything else. Even if I did see everything, I would go back for the peacefulness and scenery. For those traveling to Japan, I definitely recommend going to Nikko!
After the weekend in Nikko, we came back to Mito for the week and my friend was able to come to school with me one day! She got to experience what a typical day at school is like for me, met some students, and my teachers! After a week in Mito, we spent our last couple days together exploring Tokyo! We had a guide take us around various parts of Tokyo which was interesting. We went to the Meiji-jingu shrine in Harajuku which is dedicated to Empoer Meiji, Senso-ji temple in Asakusa which is the oldest temple in Tokyo. I swear, our trips weren’t just to temples and shrines. We went to the imperial gardens, Ginza and Hara-juku for shopping (of course) and to a cultural museum in Ueno. It was a busy and exciting weekend in Tokyo that’s for sure so if anyone wants to come visit, there are a lot of things we can do! 🙂
Soon after her visit was Halloween! It’s not as big in Japan as it is in America but it was still fun! I got to dress up in a costume and throw a Halloween party for each of my classes. The students and teachers enjoyed it! Even the principle came in and took pictures of the lesson and posted it on the school’s website.
Life here is still very busy (to put it in simple terms). But busy is good right?
