A Lot of Lasts

Today was the last day of class. I couldn't help but think about all that I have done over the past three months, as well as all the things that are now coming to an end. We administered the finals and interviewed all of the students. During one of the interviews one of my students broke down crying and kept saying how she didn't want me to leave. I couldn't help but cry too. After this, I almost unconsciously starting noticing the "lasts." This is the last time I will have to remind Kouki to stay awake in class. This is the last time I will be able to listen to music with Asumi. This is the last time I will walk to the train station late at night. The list went on and on as I went through my normal routine. The last time stopping to buy melon soda (or lemon honey) at the usual vending machine. The last time walking up the station just as the train pulls away - followed by waiting on the benches with Taylor and talking about whatever is in my head at the time. Looking for funny haircuts on the train without seeming to stare at people. Listening to the nasal voice of the conductor and mentally reciting his spiel with him. "Tsugi wa Izumiotsu desu. Izumiotsu desu. Deguchi wa migigawa ni kawarimasu. Tobira ni gochuui kudasai." I have had the train stations memorized in order for most of my time here, and the train rides are always a time to relax for me. Leaving the train and walking to the exit, where the night shift employee always says hi to me. Walking past the conbini, and through the slightly darkened shrine along my usual route made me a little sad to realize that I won't be walking home from class this way anymore.

Looking back at all of the things I will miss helps me appreciate all of the things I love here in Japan. I would never have imagined that three short months could have such an impact on my life. Even though this has been one of the hardest things I have experienced, I have learned so much, and I really do love it here. So, here are some of the things I will miss when I come back to Utah. This list is just a few examples, definitely not comprehensive.

Being greeted with a cheerful "Ohayo gozaimasu!" every morning
Living by a castle
Living within walking distance of the bay
Having modest clothes easily available
Train rides
Narrow streets with tons of small shops on either side
Streets that play music on them
Cobblestones
The temperature. Hot and humid suits me just fine, although I do sometimes wish for air conditioning.
Japanese TV
Japanese snacks (senbei, purin, hard candies, cookies)
Hearing Osaka-ben all the time (it's just so friendly sounding!)
Shrines
Vending machines with amazing drinks (calpis, melon soda, mitsuya cider, lemon honey soda, and many more)
Listening to cicadas ("Was that a small bird?" "No, it was a cicada.)
Laughing at the crazy stuff I can do just because I'm a gaijin.
Saturday trips to historically awesome locations

And more. Japan is an awesome place to live, and I would love to visit again someday!

--Actually, I have one more week without classes, but I will be traveling all over and probably won't bring my computer. I will make sure to write in my journal and post when I get back to the states on the 8th!