One year ago to the day, Zac and I arrived in the Land of the Rising Sun. Merely four and a half months after tying the knot, we jumped head first into a new adventure in a new country. I don't think either of us could ever imagine then where we are now (probably in more ways than one - literally and figuratively). We've been through alot this year and have been blessed so much.
In one year....
...we saw 3 new countries together; Zac saw 4 more on his own.
...we met some of the most amazing friends.
...we said goodbye and hello and goodbye once more.
...we got used to driving on the left side of the road.
...we became a family of three (ish...Me, Zac, and Shisa dog)
...I went from being a desperate housewife to a workin' woman (and now probably wouldn't mind going back to housewife again...)
...we set up house, painted walls and trim galore, and got used to tile floors and ceilings.
...we learned to love so many new cuisines - Thai food, curry, Korean bbq, soba, sushi, and teppanyaki are some new favorites.
...we figured out that the odds and ends we used to be able to get at Target and Home Depot can now be found at Nitori or the "monkey store"...or for free at Eagle Hardware if we're lucky.
...we automatically bow when we come or go.
...we learned to order off menus based on pictures.
...we started communicating in large part with big gestures and sign language.
...we are (almost) on a first name basis with the local Thai restaurant ladies (they at least know exactly what I'll order every time...and recognize me at the commissary).
...we've gotten used to eating dinner at restaurants without shoes...and often on the floor.
...we learned to use chopsticks like pros...and sometimes even prefer certain foods with "wood" instead of "metal."
...we haven't worn a coat (except on vacation to Hong Kong).
...we haven't handed cash over to anyone...cash transactions are always done via money trays.
...we explored the ocean floor of the Pacific Ocean and East China Sea.
...we learned to calculate time differences in several time zones as second nature.
...we've lived a year of adventures.
It's hard to believe that we are 1/3 of the way through our time abroad. We have so much more to see and do!
And lately I've (literally) been all over the place. After an amazing week back in the states, I worked like crazy for a week, and am now on a 2-week "business trip." We spent 3 days in Sasebo (southern tip of mainland Japan), arrived today in Yokosuka (45min-1hr outside of Tokyo), and leave Wednesday for Hawaii for a week. It's great to see so many new places, but I also can't wait to get settled back in at home!
