Reason Number 1
The homesickness is still here. I definitely feel like I am on the upswing, so it is only a matter of time before I am completely recovered, I imagine. (All the upcoming excitement is sure to help as well – anniversary trip, calm-digging weekend, fireworks) The whole culture shock and homesickness-thing is so interesting. It often comes to me when I least expect it and only goes away on its own schedule. In an effort to speed its departure, I am going to spend this next week or two focusing on all the things I love about Japan and all the reasons why I am glad I am still here now and will still be here for the next year (at least).
Reason Number 1 – I love that every bit of unused space has stuff growing in it. It isn’t just covered in grass (don’t get me wrong, I do miss walking barefoot in the grass), instead it is covered with future food. There are rice paddies, vegetable gardens, and fruit trees everywhere you look. I love that. I also love that it makes everything look so green and alive.
Right now, I am loving the rice paddies the most. The plants are getting bigger and they are the most beautiful shade of light green.
Photo # 2. Awesome.
Hang in there. I went camping in southern Wisconsin over the Fourth and I can tell you what you’re missing. Mosquitos. Lot’s and lots of mosquitos.
Can’t wait to see you guys in September.
Danielle,
What do you mean you miss grass. Rice is a grass. Have you ever tried walking bare foot through a rice paddy? Now that might be an experience.
Eric
Somehow I don’t think the rice farmers would like that very much. 🙂