I really had meant to do more writing this week, still I suppose packing should really take precedence, given that ONE WEEK from today I will be beginning a journey that will see me pitch up in Tokyo for a 12-month stay.
That said, it seems a shame to let this time, which I described to a pal last night as being ‘like a whole month of Christmas Eves when you were seven’, slide by without acknowledgement. It hasn’t all been mundane ‘will that fit in my suitcase’, ‘how will I ever remember the katakana’ and ‘what if I arrive but my suitcase doesn’t?’-type considerations.
In amongst all that, and alongside the to-do list from hell, are the more esoteric notions that I am sure must cross the minds of everyone when they leave somewhere, about gaining a different perspective on everything that is familiar to me, including home, country and politics, striking out on my own and seeing a bit more of the world.
People have asked if I am nervous and I suppose I should be, even if only slightly. Except that with all the planning that has gone into the move and all the waiting around for the final departure date, all I can honestly say I feel is excitement. Carpe diem and all of that.
ten minutes hate wishes you all extremely enjoyable and fulfilling weekends!
this makes me sad.
Don’t be sad! You’re now just a couple of weeks away from owning a vending machine dress…
I look forward to hearing of your wonderful adventures. What a blast!
Cheers Daniel. I. CANNOT. WAIT!!!
Twelve months in Tokyo, huh? I was there for nearly 3 years. I’m just around the corner in Hong Kong, so maybe I’ll pay you a visit whenever I’m back in Tokyo. I promise you, Tokyo is gonna drive you up the wall.
Hey naked! I’m anticipating an extraordinary amount of culture shock. Bring it on!
I’m also planning a trip to Hong Kong before Christmas, so who knows, our paths may cross!