Japan: Final Post, What We Learned

After a three month journey, a six month process to catalogue the journey, and 700 photos later, we have arrived at the final post.

What we have learned

• I watched sumo wrestling, wore a yukata, and overcame my fear of being nude at same-sex public baths.
• Hiking is my thing– Mt Fuji, Minoh Falls, Nunobiki Falls, Kamakura, and Daisetsuzan.
• I met a lot of new friends, old friends (here, here, here, here, here, here, and here), and new-and-old friends in Japan.
• The word “zing” was used twice (here and here). I probably asked Google what it meant both times and insisted on using it because it sounds cool and starts with a z.
• I visited cities in 12 of 47 prefectures.

What we haven’t learned

• My brother-in-law and I met up at one point.
• I don’t like to eat natto.
• Getting a haircut is one of the many things I like to experience when abroad.
• I never rode on the bullet train during my trip.
• My Japanese is as good as someone who doesn’t know it.
• One can learn a lot about the Japanese culture watching Terrace House. Yes, they have Netflix in Japan.

I also learned to cherish every moment with friends.

And finally…

I learned that when there’s no ticket booth attendant at the top of the ski lift, and you think they are so kind to let you take the ski lift down for free, it’s wishful thinking.

Oh well, we were glad not to have to hike the rest of the way down.

Life can be a roller coaster, make sure you laugh in between.

Bai for now!
Tiff