Circa August 2007.
It was an extraordinary hot summer that year. I had left behind my beloved island in southern Japan and journeyed up north: Destination Hokkaido. The last hurrah before my one year teaching stint drew to a close. With all my worldly possessions stuffed into my trusty Deuter and a 3 day ‘All-You-Can-Ride’ JR ticket, I was ready to go. From Sapporo to the Belly Button Town of Furano.
I remember cycling passed fields and fields of potatoes and corns, exploring small towns dotting the vast lands that stretch into the horizon. The carefree afternoon spent roaming among purple seas of lavender and rows and rows of colourful summer flowers in full bloom; the pleasant surprise at having discovered quaint houses and quiet little cafes tucked away in the most unlikely corners. I remember the wholesome home-cooked meals prepared by the hosts at the family-run pension (Japanese style B&B), the fresh fruits and produce I’d picked up along the way and gorging myself silly on one too many sofuto kurimu. Most of all, I remember the peace and tranquil solitude I had felt on my birthday that year.
On my own and overseas then, I was about to return home and pick up the life that I had left behind when I packed my bags and followed my dreams of working and living in Japan. An experience that I will never trade for any other in the world. Even though it was but one short year away, I was recharged. Come what may, I was ready to take on new challenges and embrace the next phase in life.
Fast forward 3 years later.
And things could not have been more similar and different. Living abroad once more, this time married and with a few more life-altering experiences under the belt, the journey has been nothing short of marvelous. And even though the past few months hadn’t exactly been a walk in the park, with all the love and support that I’ve been so fortunate to have, I know I will only emerge stronger and wiser at the other end.
On this birthday, I wish for strength, wisdom and the same sense of inner peace I had felt on the eve of my homecoming 3 years ago.
This is a great post.. love you loads :)