today, i begin my journey home. i have no idea what awaits me there. maybe that’s a lie. i know of a few things that are certain:

1. time travel and jet lag
2. badminton at 5:30am with nicole and others?
3. laundry and packing
4. tennessee
5. tears
6. reunions
7. noise
8. tea
9. long bike rides
10. pho

here are a few things i wish were certain:

1. sam’s sushi
2. a job
3. school
4. my future plans
5. a visit with my mother
6. pumped up bike tires
7. sleep
8. a reunion with casey mcbride
9. sua chua nep cam
10. rest

it’s been exactly 2 months since i left the states. everything has changed. everything is different. jean no longer lives in the bunk below. instead she lives thousands of miles away. i think change is easier to deal with, even welcomed, when it is gradually introduced. i’ve been living in my own little world for 8 weeks now. transitioning back will be difficult and i’ll be honest, i’m a bit nervous about my return.

on a more positive note, japan was wonderful! koji and mamamoto took such good care of me. i wish i knew how to truly express my appreciation. koji, if you are reading this, i want to say, “thank you so much!!!!!! i don’t really think you are a liar. i think you are wonderful and i promise to never say your full name in public ever again.”

anyway, Japanese food is beyond delicious. my favorite was probably okonomi yaki and then closely followed by ramen. why is food so delicious everywhere but in the usa? maybe sam’s is the exception. there are so many endearing things about japan. there is a peacefulness that i can’t really explain. i’m sure it has something to do with the lack of noise. i walked around this park the other day while koji was working and found myself drawn to a tiny bench. i sat there for a long time and heard nothing but birds and the sounds of water. maybe you are saying to yourself , “she was probably alone.” NO! i was not alone. i was surrounded by kids and old men playing chess. i wonder if children are taught volume control in elementary school. maybe we should try something like that in america, especially Philadelphia.

well, it's time to board my plane. see you all in another life