From the East to the Northwest

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Trip Start Sep 23, 2008 Previous
Entry Trip End Dec 21, 2008

  Bellingham, Washington
Monday, February 2, 2009

40 days and nights have past since leaving Tokyo. Instead of an ark, I've settled into my little apartment on Abbott St. in beautiful (and cold) Bellingham. Everyday I am reminded of how much I want to go back, because I have Japanese classes at least once (thursday I have all three) in a day! So far, although they are very demanding, I am loving the topics, readings, and new characters!! I have also gone through a whole bag of rice, as I just cannot seem to get enough of it. I can't seem to wean myself from it's comforting taste, texture and memory of meals with Reiko and Koichi in Woodhouse Namiki. I still have two containers of pickled plums (ume) and lots of tea from Reiko. :) If I had time, I'm afraid I would be looking through my hundreds of pictures feeling that sense of longing, but comfort in knowing it won't be difficult to return. ARI, it's friendly people, and endless rows of rice and strange veggie plants are in my dreams and know will always willingly accept my return. Not to mention a reunion with my hosts in Kawaguchi is no doubt something to look forward in the future as well. I figure, the more I study now, the better it will be to go back to Japan for my language comprehension will have improved leaps and bounds by then and my appreciation from the culture and history I hope to become well-read.(I finished a book on Japan's most famous female literary writer, Murasaki Shikibu) So, until then I must focus on my studies, continue eating rice and ume, and somehow save money.
My roommates Jill and Michelle are great fun, and I see my other girlfriends from last year in the dorms every weekend. (there have been so many birthdays this month!)   I've also started up my job at Pel'meni, the little russian dumpling shop on State st. in downtown Bellingham. It's nice to be back and see familiar customers and faces from campus. I feel like my life after Japan has really come together; though I'm still missing my bike- one of these weekends... When I was in Japan two months ago, feeling comfortable in the city and soaking up everything I could,  imagining myself where I am now was strange, if not impossible. Not much has surprised me, except "culture shock"-readjusting-feeling that seemed to have lasted weeks. I can't imagine having a greater sense of that shock- to imagine if I'd been schooling there for a year!
I am very happy with my life, right now, and although late I felt that this conclusion to my story of travel needed a proper entry. Well, let's not be mistaken by anything concluding. In fact, one should take this more of an intermission. Believe me, there will be many more blogs to visit, and pictures admire in the future.
Thank you again for having interest in my travels and studies by reading these blogs. It means the world to know that I have such a supportive and interested network of family and friends.
Love and Peace,
平和と愛
Meaghan　
メガン

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