|
|
|
||||
|
||||
|
07-23-2011, 12:09 AM
My first trip to Japan was on a whim. My girlfriend had been transfered to Tokyo on a temporary assignment with her company, and I decided that it would be nice to visit her and see Japan for the first time.
The travel time from Miami to Japan was 18 hours, and I am not the kind of person who can easily sit still for such a long period of time. My first view of Japan was thrilling partly because it was my first time to visit, and partly because I was looking forward so much to finally getting off the damn plane. My first impressions were at the airport, which was surprisingly quiet despite its size and the number of people there. Immigration and customs were professional and polite, 180 degrees different than immigratikn and customs in America. The commute from the airport was also interesting, the scenery from the Narita Express was colorful in the countryside, and busy in the cities. It was during this commute that I first entertained the idea of moving to Japan. Further experiences during my stay also impressed me, and when it was time for me to return home, I rather regretted leaving. On my return to America, I found that the flight I was on offered in-flight internet service. During the flight I planned, booked, and paid for my second trip to Japan 6 months later. During this time, my girlfriend's temporary position became permanent, and I considered more seriously the idea of moving to Japan. Now that I live in Japan, things are a bit different. When I arrived here to live and work, the experience was not so different from my first visit, but in time I have adjusted, and Japan seems to be more just a place, and is no longer as "special" as it once was. Japan has its bad points just as any any other country has, ans these become rather obvious after the "honeymoon" phase ends. Still, am happy to be here, and I have no regrets about moving. 
|
|
|
||||
|
||||
|
07-23-2011, 04:19 PM
mine was "ahhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" followed by rolling up into a ball, rocking back and forth, crying, sucking on my thumb, calling my mom for advice, and then getting hauled off the plane by 2 petite japanese girls that were a lot stronger than they looked.
|
|
|
||||
|
||||
|
07-24-2011, 11:05 PM
I arrived yesterday. (Its Monday in Japan now.)
I am now in Hita City, Oita-prefecture, Kyushu. Its HUMID but also very beautiful. Went to local gion festival last night, Very fun. First thought as I arrived in Haneda to transfer? "Ohmaigawwwwd"
|
|
|
|||
|
|||
|
07-25-2011, 08:24 PM
Quote:
 It's interesting to compare the initial experience to the latter experience; in a way it's kind of what I'd expected people to feel, because as you said it's kind of hard to feel pure excitement each and every day. I imagine it's kind of like visiting any other country, where at the end of the trip there's a longing to be both home and to stay longer, like pros and cons? I guess the futon trouble would count as a con, lol. Out of curiosity, what were some of your perceptions of the country that changed? I guess your experience was a good one, else you wouldn't have returned, but was there any negative sides that you discovered in your time there? Sorry for the questions, I guess I'm just rather curious. There's so many people whose initial reactions are of intense excitment, but like with any country there's so much good and bad, so it's just interesting to see how these experiences change. I wonder what people's perceptions are of the 'real' Japan. I suppose at the end of the trip one might feel either jaded or optimistic, so it's just interesting really . . . anyways, thanks for replying 
|
|
|
|||
|
|||
|
07-25-2011, 10:22 PM
Quote:
"I have to come back soon again".  In percent most likely over 90% think that way and the others just don't like the food.
|
 |
| Thread Tools | |
|
|
