As my time in Japan draws to a close very very quickly I thought since I have been here so long that I would put some of my thoughts into one concise post.

Japan has been a total culture shock for me. The language barrier at times was the hardest, but yet there were times when it was frustrating but then there were others that people would do their best to help you as much as they could.

There are numerous things I will miss about Japan. The vending machines that dispense ice cold black coffee in a can. I mean seriously a coffee adict like myself this is heaven (I am drinking an iced coffee right now actually) and then there are the 100 yen vending machines. Where everything is 100 Yen. These are great for those times when you just want something other than water and the larger bottles of Tea or Cans of coffee are a bargain.

The wonderful variety of food. Although at any time I was always wanting to try Japanese food, it is not just japanese food that is available. There is always something that will fit your appetite no matter what and there is quite a bit of western food available as well (although often at a premium).

I will miss the cheap bowls of ramen at like 500-600 Yen a bowl. I will go home to the only really good ramen being at Wagamama or similar for like $15 a bowl. Yet over here the same bowls if not WAY better go for like $5 a bowl. The whole in the wall joints over here are always the best and after just a quick walk through an area I always tried to pick the spots that were full of Japense business men who looked like they wanted a quick easy meal as this to me was a good sign, and it usually worked.

The one thing I will miss the most though is travelling around the country by train. The Shinkansen was fantastic. I loved it. I will miss that english announcement every time the speakers came on “Welcome to the Shinkansen.” It is such a pity we don’t have anything even remotely close to this kind of transport system at home. But hey, what can you do.

I met some fantastic people here in Japan (Clare you are awesome) and also caught up with an old friend as well (Rumi thanks so much for getting me on TV!). It is such a pity that unfortunately it’s time for me to keep moving on. Time to head towards South East Asia, a new Country, a new City, a new experience.

Current Location: ANA Lounge, Terminal 1, Narita Airport