Back in Australia

I returned home last week and was surprised at my energy levels. After spending such a wonderful time in Europe, I knew the moment I stepped foot in Japan, it was the beginning of my homecoming. That's because I lived in Japan and consider it my home. I knew how to navigate from Narita so well - I had done it so many times in the past. And as soon as I landed in Japan - albeit Tokyo - where I didn't live, it was home. Honestly it was a nice way for me to get the body used to being in a familiar environment again - all part of the homecoming process I guess!

I had 3 great days in Tokyo, even though I was sick with cold symptoms that I had got in Paris - after wandering the streets and admiring this city for 13 and a half hours on foot with only a flimsy Summery jacket, despite the temperature dramatically reducing to about 8 degrees centigrade at night. The cold symptoms had hit me hard on my first day in Japan. At Narita airport the officials were giving out slips of paper, urging people to come forward if they have any symptoms of a cold - and they had a list. Sore throat (check). Runny nose (check). Cough (check). Fever (check). As I didn't have any medication at all and was aware that Japanese medication is not all that strong, I was tempted to go up and say, "Hi, my name is Andrea and I have symptoms of the cold outlined in your most informative slip of paper". But I knew that I was going to be quarantined (perhaps at the Hilton!) and that was quite tempting. If I didn't get quarantined, then I would have at least had access to some medication. While all of this was starting to become a good idea in my feverish state, I still decided against it, as I knew it wasn't swine flu related - it was 'foreigner-wearing-summer-clothes-in-cold-temperatures' related. I knew I'd be fine and I was willing to naturally heal without any meds. However I did spend the first night shivering in my sleep and coughing quite a fair bit - and I was in a dorm style accommodation sharing with 15 others (everybody still had their privacy - I may upload pics of my room, as it was one of the great hostel experiences I have ever had). As I was coughing and feeling icky, I had not slept much and by the time my symptoms subsided a bit and I had fallen asleep, I woke up at 1pm to find that someone had left me an 8 tablet pack of Nurofen on my suitcase. I was SO grateful and was keen to find out who this beautiful soul was to thank them in person. I saw the meds and had 2 straight away. After having 'breakfast' I was feeling 10 times better and knew I would enjoy my stay in Japan a lot more now that I had some decent medication.

I spent time in Tokyo doing the things and going to the places I didn't have time for on my last visit - the very busy business end of Tokyo - Shinjuku, one of the museums. Met some more lovely Japanese people at the museum who were helping me out with translating the all Japanese exhibits, so I was very humbled and very grateful throughout my whole stay in Japan. I can only say good things about Japan - and not only as a resident, but as a tourist as well. Going to Japan straight after the fru-fru arrogance of the Frenchies in Paris was a fantastic idea (I did get some great politeness and positive experiences in France, but it was nowhere near as consistent as it was in Japan).

After my 3 days in Tokyo, I made my way to visit an old friend who lived in the same Japanese city as me in the good ol days. She now lives in Omiya, a 45 minute train ride from downtown Tokyo. It was such a buzz to see yet another familiar face on my round the world travels (I will be backtracking, but not yet!) After a quick lunch with her, I made my way to Sendai, the city I used to live in and on the bullet train ride up there, I was getting goosebumps, especially as we were coming up to Sendai station. I'd taken this ride so many times and it was a bit odd not having my old apartment to go home to, but instead a hotel. The good thing is I know Sendai so well that I didn't even need a map. I arrived at the station and knew EXACTLY where to go - a nice change after all my travels to new destinations, where a map is mandatory. Found my hotel easily and without a rest, I explored my old neighbourhood and my former workplace. Such great memories.

The next day I met up with a new friend who lives in Sendai - a friend of a friend of mine - who I met through the lovely Chris and Olympia - and we went exploring Sendai together. Of course, a visit to Sendai is only complete when you go to Namaskar, the BEST Indian restaurant in Japan. When I lived here, every Sunday this restaurant had an all-you-can-eat buffet for AUD$15. They still had it - and now it's AUD$12 for the same quality and it was really a gastronomic trip down memory lane. I took photos and the chefs were laughing!
On the Monday I went to Matsushima Island, which is apparently one of the 3 places in Japan where you can get great views of the oceans and mountains. I'd been there twice before, but it was still lovely to go back.

Tuesday was a nothing day, but at night I met up with one of my new friends I made in Sendai courtesy of my Japanese friend I had only met on Sunday at Namaskar. We did a night tour of the city and it still felt as comfortable and beautiful as it was when I lived there. Almost brought a tear to my eye.

Wednesday was my last day before having to leave to Narita. I managed to catch up with another friend - I had tried to arrange a meeting but didn't have her correct email address or phone number (Thanks Chris!) But thanks to my friend in Australia, I managed to get her correct details (Thanks Stu!) and squeezed in one last minute catch up with her before leaving Sendai. Being back - like I said - was the beginning of the whole homecoming process and I guess it helped when I got back to Melbourne - my first home. In Sendai I had time to myself and time with my old and new friends. By the time I got to Melbourne I was rested - and on the day I actually arrived in Melbs, I dropped off my suitcase at home and went out with my best friend, went to my former workplace to check in with my old boss and friends, and then caught up with my best mate's fiancee and his family. If I hadn't stayed in Sendai - a familiar place that I call my 3rd home (2nd being Argentina), I assure you I would have stayed at home and done nothing!

This weekend that has gone past I caught up with 2 of my good friends who got engaged while I was away. I have spent lots of time catching up with old friends and discovering how happy I am with Melbourne. It's true that you do not realise how great the city you live in is until you leave it - even on holiday. I got back and was thrilled to see that shops are open on Sundays - something that is impossible to see in Europe (unless you go to the shops owned by the Chinese - they are the only ones open!)

I am settling back and looking for work, which has always been easy for me. There is an opening at my old job, where all my former colleagues (they ALL want me back!) have told me to speak to the manager to get my old job back. My long term plans for work: I plan to set up my own personal training business. But I do need a car. That is my major expense. And I do need start up capital. So I want to do a part time or casual gig just so I can get that money and then focus on my PT business. So I am considering going back. I am leaving my options wide open and am open to everything that comes my way. I'm popping into my old work this week and seeing how things are.

Great to be blogging again :)