Saturday, September 6, 2014

Present

Yesterday turned out to be a great day. After the grocery store and some downtime, myself and my roommate along with 3 other international students all ventured out in a torrential downpour for dinner (which was quite the adventure and surprisingly enjoyable since it isn't cold here) and I experienced sushi in Japan for the first time! It was great. I forgot to bring my camera and since I can't use my phone until I get a new sim card here I haven't been bringing it out with me. Therefore I don't have any pictures to share yet but they'll be coming in time.
Anyways, it was conveyor belt sushi like sushi boat style in Calgary... obviously a recurring theme here is that it is tricky to tell what anything is since nothing is labeled - and even if it was, it'd be in Japanese. I guess I am going to get good at guessing by the looks of things and then tasting them (very new for me).
For this style of sushi, a variety of plates will pass by your table and you can grab whatever you want. Additionally, we had a digital touch screen at our table as well where you can choose what you want via the menu and then it would show up at the table on an "express" conveyor belt. I managed to eat a few different things but stuck to shrimp, salmon, inarizushi (pouch of fried tofu with rice inside) and kappa rolls (just with cucumber). It was quite delicious and then when we were done we just toss the used plates down a little slot at the table.  Afterwards, our little group all returned back to the dorms and played cards to finish off the night. It was really nice.

Today is the first day I have felt at peace. The sun is shining and the sky is blue (so far all I have encountered is overcast skies even though it is very warm) I have spent the day relaxing and getting settled into my place. This has allowed me some time to reflect on the past few days of travel and the fact that I am finally here! It is so peaceful where I am staying and the quietness/stillness has been good for me.
My dear friend Clairebear shared a quote with me a few days ago. It has really resonated with me and has continued to stay with me. I am sure that it will for the duration of my journey. I had so many reservations coming to Japan...in all honestly, I was scared out of my mind. I still am.
But I am here and I think thats what counts... I truly believe we should do the things that scare us, that experiencing life and the ability to grow really only happens outside of our comfort zone. When was the last time you did something for the first time?
Here is to me travelling further down the road of self discovery and self love.
I am excited to see what Japan has to offer!

"A woman in harmony with her spirit is like a river flowing. She goes where she will without pretense and arrives at her destination prepared to be herself, and only herself."
         -Maya Angelou

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