I always find this time of year intoxicating. My friends and
I are each on the precipice of a new adventure, which always provides
excitement. This time last year I found myself, in equal parts, terrified and
eagerly awaiting a flight to Japan. I ended up spending four and a half months
in a place that I came to be very comfortable and at home in. I love Japan
dearly and it holds a very special place in my heart.
Which is why, this year, I have a bad case of FOMO. In three
weeks I am flying to Canada but in the meantime I am watching my friends, via Facebook, arrive
in Japan which makes me pretty envious.
I want to be going back!
I want to be surrounded by signs I can’t read. I want to watch
huge soft snowflakes blanket everything in sight. I want to go to our morning
meetings where I can’t understand anything. I want to have gossips in the
onsen. I want to eat ramen for lunch at our staff canteen. I want that feeling
of absolute contentment when I walk into work, a place I am so happy to be. I
want that feeling of home.
The unknown is
scary.
I am so excited to go to Canada and I know it’s going to be
fantastic when I get there but for the next three weeks I’m going to be
fiercely jealous of anyone going to Japan. I’m sure that this time next year,
whatever I’m doing, I’ll get to be jealous of people going to Canada too but
for now, because it’s unknown, I’d rather be heading to my Asian home.
