A Wave Goodbye

As one chapter closes a new one is set to open, but like finishing your favorite series it may take a moment to readjust to all the new plotlines. For me it was the final day in Japan that set things into place. 

I didn't think it would be that hard.

To say goodbye, to wave farewell.

I didn't think it would dig as deep as it did when I sat in my final class.

Ate my final meal.

Road my final train. 

All these little moments slowly adding up, pushing the dam until it broke. They say to prepare to say goodbye and I thought it was silly at first, then the weeks counted down and everything set into perspective. Some of these people I would probably never cross paths with again, others it would be years, and for some it would only be a few months. 

We were all lucky enough to cross paths during this program, welcomed in by the IES Abroad staff and program. Told over and over that this was a very special cohort tugged deeply at my heartstrings till they were in knots. I expected to make friends but failed to realize just how close I was going to get to everyone. Before I knew it, I had failed into a routine, going to school, meeting up to eat lunch, and then later meet up to hang out.

 When you have a set routine it feels unbreakable, unshakeable. Some of the fondest memories I hold are just eating with my friends at the cafeteria at school. We found a small round table close to the entrance where people would come find and sit at or at least stop by to say hello.  It became a social hub for interactions, so many people of the cohort found that table and it became ours. Then we had clubs and classes to go to once lunch was ended, sometimes we didn't separate then. It got to the point where we'd sit in on each other's classes and enjoy the lecture for a little bit until leaving for other activities. 

Jeff Hall will forever be one of the chillest and coolest IES Abroad teachers around, so if you find he's teaching a course during your year I implore you to take his class. These moments I share with all these people connect us in a way that is special and precious. I really did enjoy getting to know everyone and traveling the vast of Japan. So, knowing that it was finally time to say goodbye was the hitter. I got onto the plan and cried the good cry all the while reading peoples letters and farewell posts. I would highly recommend you take the time to process and let out all the emotions that come rushing to you. No one will judge you and you will feel the weight lift off your shoulders as you reminisce and process everything. Taking the time on the plane certainly helped the process and cool down. 

Returning Home

As I stepped off the plane you could certainly feel the difference in the air. From hearing most of the people around you speak in a language you could understand to the difference in social etiquette. I walked through customs and stepped into the open air of the states, my parents waiting for me upon arrival. It's only been about a day and let me say, reverse culture shock is indeed a thing. I was not expecting to feel the drastic difference from just walking around and out of the airport but here we are. Already I have noticed the difference in how people walk and how people interact. The loud conversations and invasion of personal space was an interesting touch of reality that hit as I came back to the states. While not necessarily a bad thing it did come as a much bigger shocker than I expected it to be. 

It might also depend on where your home resides but as a Californian there was a big difference in the greeneries and landscapes in comparison to Japan. There was a certain longing I found myself stuck with as I watched the Californian seasonal brown hills pass by. I found myself longing for a train ride to the close mountains of Japan and the green lushes parks that surround them. I expected to be sad to leave but did not expect the longing that came with it, especially not so soon. A big thing I will miss is the freedom and safety Japan promised as if you were a solo traveler. I could stay out late alone without so much of a worry for my well-being. Now as I am returned to the states I am faced with having to carry around self-protection once again. Worried that if I decide to walk to the store if something will happen. So do not take the freedom of safety for granted, it is something only few areas have. Expect to be both sad and happy upon returning home. I was sad to leave the friends I made but happy to return home to my family and most especially my cat. There is good and bad in the end of a story that may leave you with a bittersweet feeling at its end. 

But know that it is never truly the end. Your story along with many others will continue on, to change and mold with who you are and who knows maybe paths will cross again in the future.