[samurai007]

My first and only time to Japan, I lived there for 2 years teaching English. I don't think I had just 1 defining moment, it was more an accumulation of things over my time there. The people were incredibly friendly, welcoming, and helpful. The sights, sounds, and tastes of the country were interesting and unique. Some of my first experiences when I arrived included hiking at Nachi Falls, attending the O-bon ceremony at Koya-san, and accidentally becoming the star of Sports Day at a neighboring town (I was just riding my bike around one Saturday, exploring the next town over for the first time, when I heard music and saw banners, so I went to investigate. The townspeople were so happy to see a foreigner in their town they literally pulled me off my bike, gave me a free lunch, and entered me in 2 events! I stayed there all day and had a great time!)

But there are so many great memories I have from my 2 years there... riding around Asuka by bike with 2 Japanese friends on a gorgeous autumn day, my long trips to Nagasaki and Nikko, wonderful yakiniku parties with the teachers from my schools, a hurricane party at a beach house on the coast, staying overnight at a Buddhist temple, sleeping on Shirahama beach with a half dozen other ALTs after a huge fireworks festival, exploring the back alleys of Osaka looking for manga shops and interesting restaurants... and that's just the tip of the iceberg! I did so much in those 2 years, I feel like they were busier and more memorable than most of the past 12 years combined, and I left part of my heart in Japan...