Brief Reflection
Still working on the catch-up updates, but let me put that on hold for a moment.
I've been thinking about Japan a lot lately. I figure a lot of that has to do with the time of year; two years ago in August I left Canada for Japan, ready to start a fantastic adventure. One year ago, I couldn't get out fast enough. My stomach full of my last supper (the very best sushi, of course), I gleefully packed up my life while blasting "The Old Apartment" by The Barenaked Ladies.
To be even more precise, I was on the top of Mount Fuji exactly one year ago today. It was exhilarating beyond belief; the mountain air seemed to have some magical quality in my lungs even while scores of other pilgrims were vomiting from mountain sickness on the side of the trail. I know that it wasn't just that pure mountain air that made me so happy though: it was my release from prison. On Mount Fuji, I was an anonymous tourist. I had no particular story and carried very few expectations. I didn't need a name, but if anyone asked, I was "Sarah" - not "Salah-san" or "Salah sensei." I don't know if I have ever felt so free in my life.
I suppose that my recurring thoughts about Japan function to finally resolve (or at least ease) some of the conflict I feel when I think about my year there. Well, bring it on. I'm about to start a brand new adventure and I'm keen to give it all the energy I can muster. To new beginnings: Kampai! :)
I've been thinking about Japan a lot lately. I figure a lot of that has to do with the time of year; two years ago in August I left Canada for Japan, ready to start a fantastic adventure. One year ago, I couldn't get out fast enough. My stomach full of my last supper (the very best sushi, of course), I gleefully packed up my life while blasting "The Old Apartment" by The Barenaked Ladies.
To be even more precise, I was on the top of Mount Fuji exactly one year ago today. It was exhilarating beyond belief; the mountain air seemed to have some magical quality in my lungs even while scores of other pilgrims were vomiting from mountain sickness on the side of the trail. I know that it wasn't just that pure mountain air that made me so happy though: it was my release from prison. On Mount Fuji, I was an anonymous tourist. I had no particular story and carried very few expectations. I didn't need a name, but if anyone asked, I was "Sarah" - not "Salah-san" or "Salah sensei." I don't know if I have ever felt so free in my life.
I suppose that my recurring thoughts about Japan function to finally resolve (or at least ease) some of the conflict I feel when I think about my year there. Well, bring it on. I'm about to start a brand new adventure and I'm keen to give it all the energy I can muster. To new beginnings: Kampai! :)