GEO Foot's Blog

Winter Trip 2011/12

I already posted most of my pictures though Instagram, but I just wanted to highlight some of the highlights. Overall though it was an amazing trip that allowed me to travel and see more of Japan. I was fortunate enough to travel with two great friends and be joined by a third in Tokyo. The trip basically went like this: the 26th to the 30th in Fukuoka and the 30th to the 2nd in Tokyo. While it was an amazing trip, coming home to Shiga, was such a relief. I think it is just part of my evolution of being here in Japan…considering my new apartment “home”. 

On to the highlights (in alphabetical order).

FOOD!: The yatai’s of Fukuoka, the chanpon ramen of Nagasaki, Brazillian BBQ in Tokyo, American Beer for NYE, first time at an Izikaya (bar food), and crepe stands in Shibuya…I definitely got my #fatkidstatus on.

Kamakura: Seeing the Big Buddha was breathtaking. The town itself also reminded me of Piedmont or SF with the hills and the houses. 

Movies: A small luxury from home (and a way for me to take it easy) but seeing American movies was wonderful. (Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol and Real Steel if you were wondering). 

Nagasaki: From the Atomic Bomb Memorial and all it’s intensity, to the Peace Park, to the site of the Martyrdom of the 26 Saints, to just chilling by the harbor and bringing back memories of SF, it was a beautiful city to explore on an even more beautiful day (even if I had a terrible sore throat).

Natsumi: Getting to see my friend Natsumi from 7th grade after a 10 year gap was such a wonderful time. I wont say no time passed, but seeing an old friend was bliss. I hope I see her again soon and wish her the best with her studies.

New Years Eve: It was definitely one to remember. Nothing to crazy or out of this world, but Tokyo definitely goes big. 

Onsen: First time being in one, and while it was definitely awkward (naked guys everywhere) it was definitely relaxing. I recommend it to anyone coming to Japan. 

Royal Family: On January 2nd, we made our way to see the Emperor of Japan come out and give his speech for the New Year. It was pretty amazing to see royalty like that and see the hundreds of people waving the Japanese flag in excitment. 

Shinkansen: I’ve said it before, but despite being so expensive, I feel blessed that I have a job that pays me well enough to where I have the luxury to have taken the shinkansen the entire way for this trip. It made travel so much more enjoyable since we didn’t have to spend days traveling…only hours. I really am blessed to be working at a job I love, but also one that affords me the luxuries of this type of travel on special occasions. 

These are the highlights, but to be honest it was a great trip just to be able to take the time and reflect on where I am five months after coming to Japan. So much has happened! I have been so fortunate to have seen this country, spent time in it, and now to be able to call it home…I sometimes am at a loss for words. Not only that, but to be able to learn as much as I have, about the language, the people, teaching, religion, and most importantly my self, it just brings a smile to my face. 

Here is to a great 2011 (a bit late I know) and an adventurous 2012!

-Geoff