[Seanus]

I think a large part of living in rural Japan, which I did for 9 months, is to feel comfortable within yourself. You could say the same about anywhere but it especially applies to Japan. If you can be like a leaf in the breeze, the ride will be easier. Remember, this is a short-term experience for most foreigners in the overall scheme of things. I vividly remember scouting new alleyways to see what I could unearth. That was fun in itself. Nyororin is right, there needs to be talk of concrete expectations rather than hazy, romantic ideals.