Jen's Visit

My first peek at Japanese blossoms...early bloomers, apparently

Sushi variation (chirashi)...mmm seaweed sprinkles

Sayaka, bowling in Shinsaibashi

This past week, Jen Schiedel, my predecessor by two years, came to Osaka. At first I wasn't looking forward to her visit because I was so depressed after Brian left. I just wanted to be alone and mope. But it turned out to be one of the best weeks I've had here so far.

Jen had my job in 2005-2006, so she had a lot of advice for me. I wish she had come sooner, but given I still have 5 more months here, her advice will still be useful. Her company also encouraged me to get off my butt and reconnect with some of my favorite students. We went bowling, had a sleepover, went shopping, etc.

This week made me realize how much time I've wasted being depressed and tired and lazy. I spent the last 5 months telling myself I had a whole year to travel, make friends, learn Japanese, and sort out my post-Japan plans. This week also made me realize my time isn't up. I still have another 5 months to accomplish those goals. And, even if I don't, I know this year was not a waste. I've already learned more and made more connections in these past 5 months than I ever thought possible. Who knows what will be added to that experience in the next 5.

Back to my lonesome

[more photos in my photo blog]

Brian's trip came and went much faster than I predicted. He and I both admitted how awkward we felt meeting at the airport - I was so used to his electronic voice and image on Skype. The real Brian was much taller and mobile than Skype Brian. And it had been so long since I had held his hand that it took me a while to feel like a girlfriend (fiancee) again.

However, by day 2 I felt like he was my best friend again. We visited Nara, Kyoto, a nearby shrine, the aquarium, a city ferris wheel, a floating observatory of the city, an okonomiyaki restaurant, and more. He got to meet a lot of my students who came to pick him up at the airport and those who came over for a wii and nabe (winter stew) party. But most of all, we just watched movies and lounged around, taking advantage of my warm living room (as Brian brought western NY weather with him on his visit...it never snows in Osaka...until he arrived).

It was great having him here - not only because I love him and needed a dose of face-to-face contact - but because he noticed everything. I was like that when I first arrived, but slowly the novelty wore off and I started walking through the streets like a zombie, completely unaware of how I got from point A to point B. Brian, on the other hand, pointed out the people, the buildings, the differences between America and NY (given almost everything he said was negative because country boys have no chance of survival in booming Osaka).

After a sad goodbye at the airport (like a band aid ripping off, we made it quick), I fell right back into my zombie-ness. I rode the train home and hardly noticed a thing (except how sunny it was once Brian left and took his weather with him). Not only was it miserable walking back into an empty apartment, but also realizing how boring and unobservant I am without companionship.

Only 5 more months...