Deeper thoughts on stuff

[oritsu_luv]

My Host Family:
It was so nice to see them again. If if not for the new house and absence of Otoosan, it would have been just like I'd time traveled to the past. It really felt like no time had passed. Okaasan was just the same was always - no-nonsense, warm and so positive and upbeat. Haru-chan was also the same, which was slightly less comforting, because she's 17 now, but still basically acts and looks 11.

I really felt the loss of Otoosan though. It hit me really hard while I was there. There was this big photo of him in the living room, and when I first saw it, I almost started crying. It really hit me how much I wanted to see him again. Just how big of a part of my life in Japan he had been. I mean, if you think about it, a year is a long time. And of course Otoosan had such a big presence, so much warmth and confidence. It made me really sad think that he was gone.

But I'm so glad to have a family in Okaasan and Haru-chan. It's such a nice, comforting feeling.

Ayako's wedding
I think her wedding was really an old fashioned kind of wedding, the kind that really does change your life. I mean, she lived in her parents house her whole life. Her new house with Jun will be her first time living on her own. It made the wedding really moving. (And Jun seems like a really nice guy, although I kind of knew that from all I know about him and everything he's stuck through with her. I'm so glad.)

I'm so glad I got to be there for it. I know it made Ayako really happy, and I was so touched that she wanted me there. It's funny, because we live in completely different countries and we only see each other every few years, but she is one of the closest friends I have, one of the people who I feel understands me and knows me best, who I can talk about anything with. The whole trip made me feel the same thing I always feel when I see her: I'm so lucky to have a friend like her in my life.

Japan

I think my biggest realization this trip was: I do still love Japan. It's just really that simple. I just like it so much. There's something so comfortable about it to me, so warm and comforting. It really puts me at ease, being there.

It's also such a convenient country. The way things are set up. I don't know, it feels like things are set up in a way that makes life, comfortable and comforting. (Maybe because this is a country that sells soft drinks with a tagline about following your dreams. LOL) I don't know how to say that without it seeming like I think life is perfect there, which I know it's not. I'm well aware. But I just mean that it's the impression I get.

I'd love to go back for longer. I think overall, I felt like I still love Japan, I will always love it, and I definitely want to go back for longer. I felt like it's a country I will always keep going back to. But I also didn't feel that huge urge to live there.

Comments

[shadow-to-light.livejournal.com]

Some aspects of our American culture seem so much more demanding than that of Asian culture. Socializing; what we consider 'finding your dreams' as opposed to their more structured path through life; our bonds with family Vs theirs; etc. Somehow, I feel like on that side of the Pacific, there really is a totally different approach to life.

I, too, wouldn't know the nuances of living over there long-term, and I'm pretty sure I look at their culture with rose-colored glasses, so to speak. But some of the ways they live their lives just seem... more fulfilling, if not less stressful.

well my uncle is very happy it went well

[roblewmac.livejournal.com]

I think my uncle is the best freind you have that you've never met asked about you as I got home.
very glad you are back