Pin pointing my early impressions of Japan is difficult as I have been here on a few separate occasions, each with different expectations of the journey I was about to encounter.
My first was in 2007 with my two best friends from Australia. We came here on holiday, purely because the airline had a sale and it was so cheap we thought why not. Having no idea about the country, culture or customs we came here as totally ignorant tourists. We arrived at our first destination, staying right in the heart of Shinsaibashi. It was so late at night when we arrived, but we strolled the busy streets, I remember seeing business men returning home from work at 1am, men with the most intense hair styles I had ever seen (I later find out they are hosts) and our toilet played music and blow dried your bum! We then travelled to Kyoto and Tokyo where I fell in love with the country and promised to return.
Left: A very tiny lady and I in Osaka, 2007
Right: Crazy streets of Tokyo
In January 2010, I kept my promise and returned as an exchange student. This time I was more aware of what I was in for, and had more knowledge of the customs and surroundings I would be living in – but not a stitch of Japanese! My first semester I tried travel around Japan, going to religious festivals, discovering the cherry blossoms and eating as much Japanese food as I possibly could. Everything was new and exciting. I did not miss home at all, except perhaps my car and my dog!
Cherry Blossoms at Kiyo-mizu Dera, Kyoto
Kyoto at Dusk
Returning for a second semester I decided to rent an apartment with my friend to have a more independent and truly Japanese final 4 months. Little things that seemed so different are no longer so, like the adorable security guards at the gates that welcome you every morning, riding my bike to school or buying food at the supermarket and having no idea what you are eating! That’s just part of the amazing experience you get when living in this country!
This is a very nice way to begin your blog. You have interesting observations (your descriptions make it easy for me to picture them in my mind) that make me look forward to your future posts. Nice pictures as well. Your layout has a very pleasant autumn feel. I can scroll your text so the leaves don't get in the way.
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