Sayonara Japan..I'll never forget you!

I've said it before and I'll say it again: SORRY! It has been nearly 5 months since my last update here on my blog and alot has happened in my life. I'll try to start where we last left off and work up to the present day. Hold on to your hats, here we go:
The last 6 weeks of my time in Japan flew by as I was busy with teaching and training the new teacher who would be replacing me. It was a very emotional time for me and I was filled with so many emotions around this time: excitement, sadness, fear, and nostalgia. I had a lot of fun with my students in the last few weeks I taught them and leaving them was perhaps one of the most difficult parts about leaving Japan. I was not overly confident/comfortable about the replacement whom I was leaving my students in the care of. He did not seem overly energetic or have a good grasp on how to effectively teach children. I have since learned that many of the parents have removed their students from the school. I get so many nice emails from them saying how great of a teacher I was, and how dearly they all miss me.

In the last week or so leading up to my departure from Japan, I had a great Sayonara party at Daryle's place (which almost felt like my apartment since he had taken so much of my things/furniture!) It was great to be able to have a good time with all of my friends once more before I would leave. Highlights of the night would include Absinthe shots, Amber getting sooo drunk and playing the amazing Japanese drinking game (oh, and of course the dance off between Daryle and Aurelien).

On the Saturday before I left Japan, I had planned a large farewell lunch at Keiyakidai park in Moriya to see all of my students and their parents before leaving. I was astounded by how many people came to see me! It was a great day and I was glad to spend it with Daryle, Brita and Anna. The 4 of us headed back to my apartment to go through the gifts I had received and finishing moving things out. It was at this time that the friendship nut club was formed. I had bought some really cool nuts from Thailand a year back and gave one to Daryle, Anna, and Brita and kept one for myself. Whatever our paths in life, wherever they may take us; as long as each of has one of these nuts we will always be connected in friendship. I keep mine with me all the time!

My last few days in Japan were spend with my closest friends. Daryle, Anna and I headed to Matsudo to visit Daryle's friend Prent and to see the great fireworks competition. The fireworks were great and seem to last a very long time! I will always remember this night. The day before I left for Canada, Daryle and I headed into Tokyo to meet the new Ibaraki JETs that were there doing their initial training. It was great to see alot of my friends there and to meet the new people. We went to a really cool izakaya and had some amazing food and drinks.

Tuesday August 4, 2009 - perhaps one of the saddest days in my life. This is the day I left Japan to return to Canada. Saying goodbye to my best friend Daryle as he left for work was perhaps one of the most difficult things I've ever had to do. He played such a huge role in my happiness in Japan and we shared so many memories and good times together. Anna drove me to the airport and we both had a bit of a cry before I left her and headed into the airport. I spent 5 years of my life in Japan, and really grew up alot there. I had some amazing times, met some amazing people and never regretted my decision to live/work there. Japan changed me, and it will always be a part of who I am. I may live in Canada now, but a piece of my heart and soul will always remain in the land of the rising sun: Japan.SP