As I sit on my bed in the 7th floor of the Sakura Hotel in Ikebukuro, I realize that I…don’t really know what to say about my overall experience (and this is in a good way)! I am speechless. This experience has been, by far, one of the best I have ever had! (I mean, souvenir shopping was crazy but that doesn’t damper my happiness!)
There is definitely a difference between Okinawa and Tokyo. Okinawa, which is advertised to foreigners and natives alike as a place of tourism, was slow paced and had a very nice, non-crowded atmosphere, while Tokyo is the EXACT OPPOSITE! I mean, again, try going through the train system in Tokyo. I truly love the culture and customs of Japan and feel that because of this trip, not only did I learn about some history and got a first-hand look at the development of these two areas, but I feel that I understand the Japanese better. In my perspective, it is better to get a first-hand experience of an area you are very interested in than to just read about it.
I also really enjoyed some of the things that you barely see in America. Such as how the cashiers would go to every extent to pack your goods in such a presentable and nice way. I mean, I bought some books and the cashiers went ahead and put book covers on them and puts tape on the bag so it doesn’t open when you walk around with it. But that’s just some small aspect of what I liked. I also enjoyed some of the fashion like Visual Kei in the Harajuku area. I especially love how the people who dressed up have the self-confidence, or are not self-conscious, to dress that way. They are awesome!!!
I guess, overall, this trip has been amazing. And what I love best is the language. I truly love the Japanese language and enjoy the fact that I can understand at least a bit of the conversations and I can speak some to the Japanese. I definitely maintained what I learned and realize that I still have a lot to go before going to Japanese 201 in fall semester.
So I shall end this blog, not with a picture, but with a revised chorus version of “I’m Coming Home” by P Diddy featuring Skylar Grey:
I’m coming home, I’m coming home
Tell the world I’m coming home.
Let the plane, fly away, all the joys of yesterday
I know our flight’s overnight, and I’m not getting sleep tonight
I’m coming home, I’m coming home
Tell the world I’m coming… home
I really like the Japanese language too! It is so polite and it sounds so good. It’s not like German which is polite but sounds scary!
I really liked how the cashiers prepared goods as well. To me, it seemed like they were wrapping up items almost like presents so you could unwrap them later. Never thought about it as trying to keep your bag from opening, but it really makes sense!