Coming back into the U.S. after being in Japan for almost 5 months is enough to give you whiplash. Granted, Hawaii is it's own entity. However, I feel like I've stepped into a new place and I'm now the foreigner. I've already grown so accustomed to Japan that driving was weird, eating was weirder, and I keep bending my head and saying "hai" whenever someone is asking or telling me something.
However, it's been a blast here. This state is truly a beautiful place to visit. As someone who receives a great deal of strength from the water, being surrounded by gorgeous beaches and blue waters is something that absolutely thrills me. I love the peace that comes with water, despite the ocean being quite a frightening thing. I love being on the beach, hearing the waves, watching the sun set. I love the feeling of the ocean breeze at night. I love that it even smells better here.
I've been trying really hard to make sure I see as much as I can in the short time I am here. I want to relax and enjoy the scenery, but I also want to take in as much as possible.
And on the other side, I want to experience America again. I want to shop at Target, browse the mall, eat drive thru crap food. The shopping I can handle, the food I cannot. And despite fighting strep throat after being here a week, my body can just no longer handle the heavy foods. My meals are significantly smaller, and the fat kid in me is angry at the amount of food I'm missing out on.
Also that I'm not losing more weight??
Regardless, it's been an interesting experience. I've learned a lot about myself in this short visit to Hawaii. I miss Japan, I miss my house in Japan, I miss the trains, the food, my nightly walks around my neighborhood. I miss 7-eleven. I have truly settled in this new land and called it home. I miss my friends and family so much, but I don't want to leave. I just wish I could bring them with me. It's an interesting tear in your heart, this feeling.
I'll be sad when my vacation is over, but as most vacations go, I will be so glad to be home again.
No comments:
Post a Comment