It’s been about 3 weeks in Japan now. My daily routine is pretty well established. Since my “touristy” trip to Tokyo I have made 2 1/2 more trips back to the city formerly known as Edo (the 1/2 comes from a trip just outside Tokyo). So many new friends and new memories have been jammed into each week I get little brain butterflies thinking about the new world I’ve been exposed to.

—–On the sidewalk near my bus stop on the way to work. I look down to see a worm wriggling around on the sidewalk trying to find it’s home. It’s a pretty common scene, especially after some rain. But for some reason, this day, I started empathizing with this emotionless, ugly creature. I look up to see Japan thriving with the onset of Spring and life blooming yet here is this thing dying right in front of me. Is it even aware of what life is? I think to myself “do I know what life is?” Am I like my limbless friend, lost in an unfamiliar place, left alone. unaware of the scope of what reality exists around me? WHAT IS IN THE FISH HERE?—–

In some roundabout way I knew of 2 people currently living in Japan before travelling over the pacific. One of which I met once… 7 years ago. The other being a family member of a friend back in Delaware. Being eager and maybe a little intrusive I contacted both of these people. I was hopeful.

In a one week span I met both of them in Tokyo. It goes without saying that it is soooo much easier getting around with a Japanese person in Tokyo. Having someone present their country to you is incredible (makes me want to sing – sorry to put you through that Nat). And, after walking around their beautiful city you rest your feet, eat some food, and it feels like you’ve known them for years. However, it is also during this time you start to feel like some buffoon standing there wishing you knew how to speak to people.

I am not a worm

Sakura and Fountain

It is Sakura season in Japan right now. This may be one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world. The news updates where the cherry blossoms are, what the forecasts are for local cities, and how to best enjoy them. The blooming time lasts about a week or less, they disappear as if it was only a beautiful memory. During this time it is common to have a Hanami Party: you find a spot under a Sakura tree, and share some food and drink with friends. I took a train ride around a park giving which I’m told was definitely not only for little kids (here I am with my tickets).

I am not a worm

There also happens to be a very interesting mix of people in Tsukuba. Tsukuba is a huge science oriented city with massive research facilities, universities, and institutions. There is an apartment complex that houses many of these international scientists. The first time meeting them I of course was in rare form: losing and eventually finding my passport with their help, celebratory dancing followed.This upcoming weekend if the weather is good we will have our own Hanami in Tsukuba since the sakura arrive a little later compared to Tokyo.

Real quickly:

-My friend and neighbor Maxime received a package from his French family and he generously offered us the finest cheeses and meats in all of France-land!

-There is a sweet go-kart place just outside of Tokyo. And, on train ride home, I accidentally got on the “Women Only” portion of the train. Japan keeps one train car for women for late night trains. I had heard the legends of this place, and that night walked into it. I have never felt so out of place, yet so titilated. I moved one car down as quickly as I could. Sorry ladies, as much as I would like to be the bait… .

I am not a worm