top things I miss about japan

[missingwatch]

1. the people
2. onsen
3. convenience stores
4. the food
5. the seasons
6. the 100 yen stores
7. having a job
8. being able to travel new & exciting places easily
9. not driving
10. having money

Comments

[eliset]

Out of curiosity, why exactly did you decide to leave? Based on your description, it seems you probably could've stayed there at that job indefinitely, so what compelled you to return?

[missingwatch]

missed people here, and being able to having meaningful conversations on a regular basis, evenings are pretty lonely (I got off work at 9:30 and most people in the countryside go to bed at 10:00), I wasn't learning anything new at my job and parts of it were getting quite boring--still liked talking to people a lot but the lessons themselves get repetitive, there were no real opportunities for advancement in the company other than to become an emergency teacher (which means rotating among schools with no real chance to form connections which was one of my favorite parts of the job), high turnover among both staff and students, it's hard to date, and I got tired of everything out of ordinary being a challenge--going to the dr or dentist or optometrist is not realistic without assistance, got tired of feeling like I stick out like a sore thumb, I couldn't take classes which I miss (wanted to take yoga or pottery or something)

yeah, I think those are the main reasons

[sheilagh]

what part of Austin are you living in? I've reconnected with my favorite yoga teacher, who just returned to Austin from NYC. I'm diggin' her 2pm Saturday class on South Lamar near Bluebonnet...

also, onsen? SOUNDS FABULOUS!!

[missingwatch]

oh, I'm staying in Round rock with friends right now. I'm also unemployed and broke, for the moment. but eventually, there shall be yoga class!