Sorry. After I got back to the states, I was busy catching up with, well, everything. I finally finished up (All A's and a B+, not that it matters. It's pass or fail). So lets wrap up some loose ends.
Did I have fun?:
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. I don't like young people as you all know, but it was sometimes nice to be around people if that makes sense. To be around my "own age" for a little bit. And being in Japan was fun too. Everything was new for a good month, and when stuff started to become habit, I started to feel "cool." Also, I don't go out in America (besides to school), so it was nice to out out shopping, or for food later in the evenings. I felt independent. I felt "young." I don't know if I'd do that here, but it was fun in Japan. And it was just fun. I mean, I went to Japan. I always said I would go, but I really did it. And it was freaking amazing.
Was Japan what I thought it would be?:
Yes and no.
Yes, as in, it was a polite country. People were quite and respectful and somewhat understanding of American idiocy so they didn't mind us much. Certain areas were crazy like they were portrayed in the media (Harajuku, for example, was just as awesome as people think it is). But, it also wasn't "crazy." People were toned down most of the time, and it wasn't like living in an anime. I didn't think it would be that crazy, but sometimes I was taken back by now "Normal" it was. I didn't exactly have the culture shock, which was a shock in it's self. However, there were times were I thought "am I doing this right? Am I doing this right?" But the Japanese never made a show of they're distaste if I was doing something wrong (like when I ate ice cream on the train...Twice).
Would I go back?:
Yes, but hopefully alone, or with a small group of well liked people. I'd love to go without the worry of school.
Am I mad I had to leave early?:
Um...Yes. Yes I am, because there was stuff I still wanted to do. I had finally gotten comfortable walking around and being by myself, so I wish I had more time that I could of just walked around Japan alone. That, and I was going to Disney the day after the earthquake! So, I'm a bit disappointed about that.
However...
How do I feel about the earthquake?:
As terrible as it might sound, while I'm upset I had to leave early, I am somewhat happy I got to experience it. I mean, I wen to Japan, and experienced my first earthquake. If that's not a story, I don't know what is. I feel bad that I didn't know how bad it was until a few days after the earthquake (we were too worried about finding bread), but it was an experience I wouldn't give back.
Did I "learn" anything about myself?:
Well, one thing I learned is that I'm not as weird as I'd like to think. I know that sounds weird, but being black, tall, and with an afro, I was fully prepared for the cries of "Godzilla!" But no one cared (except for one girl that did ask for a picture). No one treated me like a monster in stores. No one was outwardly racist. And everyone was super nice (for the most part). To be honest, it was the most normal I felt since Japan isn't a country that openly mocks anyone like we're so well know for doing in Japan. I left Japan knowing I really wasn't that big of a deal. :P
So, that's the end of my little travel blog, and the end of my Japan journey. Thanks for following and I hope it was enjoyable for you. Hopefully I'll get to make another travel blog in the future. :)
Have a happy summer!
