My Lust for the Home Country
The mood I am in right now comes with many consequences. Most have to do with being tired for the rest of the day tomorrow (later today in acuality). But I like it and I will keep liking it.
After looking at Aya's picture of her study abroad pictures from Japan, I suddenly have the urge to go to Japan. Not that I didn't before, but even more so now that I am wide awake and can't sleep. What's so wonderful about Japan?
I don't know if my heritage is the biggest factor that I want to go to Japan, or if it's just that I haven't been back since 2003, but I really wish I could hop on a plane and go.
Recently, I have taken another step closer to my Japanese heritage. I am the Vice President of JSA (Japan Student Association) and this has brought me Japanese friends and loads of Japanese culture. I consider myself American with lots of Japanese pride, but now that I have friends on campus, life is a tad different. The biggest thing is that I actually speak my language. Freshman year, the only time I would speak Japanese at Purdue was when I was talking to my parents over the phone. Speaking Japanese is truly an everyday thing now and I love it. Nothing is worse than losing your history.
My post is becoming very irrelevant now, so here is a list of things I will definitely do in Japan next time I go:
Near My Grandma's House (Nagaoka):
-Go to the Jinja and give prayers. If the cats are still there, play with them.
-Go to Ryubundou-San and be surrounded by plastic models and rc cars.
-Go to the bakery that sells Mochi-pan.
-Go to the Lawson and buy any prepared food.
-Go to the Sea of Japan.
-If there is time, go to the hot springs.
-Visit my grandpa's grave and take in the beautiful surroundings.
-Eat Oban-yaki
-Lots and lots more
Near Tokyo:
-Go to Shibuya, Asakusa, Akihabara, etc etc and do whatever is there!
-Eat lots
-Visit old friends
-Be happy
If this happens this winter, I will die a happy man no matter what happens to me after that. Thank you life for giving me these chances. How do I repay you?
After looking at Aya's picture of her study abroad pictures from Japan, I suddenly have the urge to go to Japan. Not that I didn't before, but even more so now that I am wide awake and can't sleep. What's so wonderful about Japan?
I don't know if my heritage is the biggest factor that I want to go to Japan, or if it's just that I haven't been back since 2003, but I really wish I could hop on a plane and go.
Recently, I have taken another step closer to my Japanese heritage. I am the Vice President of JSA (Japan Student Association) and this has brought me Japanese friends and loads of Japanese culture. I consider myself American with lots of Japanese pride, but now that I have friends on campus, life is a tad different. The biggest thing is that I actually speak my language. Freshman year, the only time I would speak Japanese at Purdue was when I was talking to my parents over the phone. Speaking Japanese is truly an everyday thing now and I love it. Nothing is worse than losing your history.
My post is becoming very irrelevant now, so here is a list of things I will definitely do in Japan next time I go:
Near My Grandma's House (Nagaoka):
-Go to the Jinja and give prayers. If the cats are still there, play with them.
-Go to Ryubundou-San and be surrounded by plastic models and rc cars.
-Go to the bakery that sells Mochi-pan.
-Go to the Lawson and buy any prepared food.
-Go to the Sea of Japan.
-If there is time, go to the hot springs.
-Visit my grandpa's grave and take in the beautiful surroundings.
-Eat Oban-yaki
-Lots and lots more
Near Tokyo:
-Go to Shibuya, Asakusa, Akihabara, etc etc and do whatever is there!
-Eat lots
-Visit old friends
-Be happy
If this happens this winter, I will die a happy man no matter what happens to me after that. Thank you life for giving me these chances. How do I repay you?