It’s already August.  As I write this, I sit on a plane making its way back to the United States.  What a journey it has been.  I have spent the last two months finishing up school and then making my way down to Kyoto where I spent my last few weeks.  

It has gone by so fast.  Even now as I sit on this plane, gazing out the window into the dark night, I haven’t realized that I am returning.  It has been a year filled with new places, new things, and new experiences.  Reflecting on the year my thoughts are filled with people.

People that have welcomed me warmly with a simple passing bow, people who have become dear friends.  People like Kazu who owns a small sushi place in Kyoto where he handpicks what he serves everyday from the local fish market, and Yoko the local Akita bar owner who makes all of her customers feel at home, and the strangers at the ramen stand in Kyushu who laughed late into the night.   People who let me plant rice with them, taught me about the subtle differences between sake, people who introduced me to the local cooking, shared their history with me, people who let me into their homes, into their lives, people who have touched my heart.  People who I will never forget.

Bridging language and culture barriers, conversations drifted from food, to people, to deep thoughts on life, and became an exchange not only of ideas, but of understanding.  An understanding of each others culture, as well as a better understanding of one’s own culture.

I have been so fortunate to have met so many special and wonderful people along the way and I want to say thank you.  Thank you for letting me be a part of your community and for sharing your culture with me.  I’ll be back soon to continue my journey in Japan.  

I look forward to meeting you all again.  

皆さん、元気でね。

ジェフより