So I guess that's it. My adventure in Japan is over...I guess it's been over for several days now, but I'm just beginning to process the fact.

It was amazing, those four months; I'm so glad I went.

I wonder if I should stop this blog. I guess it can return to a daily or weekly photoblog.

I don't want to start my paper that's due Monday...well, technically, since Japan is a day ahead, Sunday. AHHH.

See you around!

Slowly and surely, my time here is winding down. Most of my friends are leaving the day after tomorrow, which makes me really sad. Although I wouldn't say that I have become BFF with all of them, I am used to having them around. Everyone is so amazing in his or her own way and I truly feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to be amongst them and to call them my friends.

I don't think any of us expect to keep in touch with everyone or to even see each other more than once in a blue moon...but I think EAP Japan will always have a special place in our hearts.

It's the goodbyes that bring out the sappiness in me. I don't like goodbyes. Sigh.

My time here in Japan is winding down so fast. Papers, presentations and posters stand in the way of me and the end; the aforementioned also stand in the way of me living it up and making the most of my final two weeks here.

Wait, that's not what I want to say. What I want to say is...

hm, part of me is ready to go back to America. I miss my family, my friends, and the food. In my mind, everything is so familiar but I think it will feel a little strange to see them again.

Another part of me doesn't want to go...not because I'm not ready (I think I am), but because I know I will miss this place like CRAZY. I feel like if I stay here longer, somehow it will absorb more and I won't miss it as much. Does that make sense at all? Probably not.

So I am torn. Going home means responsibility, job searching, real life...which I am not particularly looking forward to. SIGH.

Dou shiyou???

Eric came to visit Japan this past weekend. Even though we rushed around from place to place, I had lots of fun (I hope he did too).

In talking to him, I realize how important physical proximity is. Despite all the ways in which technology makes the space between shorter, it doesn't completely eliminate it, you know? Distance makes it hard for me to understand.

Distance also makes the places/people we leave seem more rose-colored. I honestly think that I (and you) will be surprised when we are reunited.