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!
J. C. Greenway
johnmaguirewords
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!