Home Again, Part Eight: Back to Japan

Thursday, March 6
I woke early to my favorite breakfast of waffles and bacon. I ate and finished packing my suitcase full of omiyage and food. Mom and I drove Scott to school, where he embarrassedly hugged me goodbye in the school parking lot and reminded me to buy him presents.

Mom and I arrived early at the airport. I snacked on fresh strawberries, haupia-flavored yogurt, and green tea with apple juice while watching the Japanese tourists being marched through. I laughed as they were forced to repack their suitcases, clearly over the fifty pound limit. Yet I wound up having to pack omiyage in Chris’s suitcase, as my boxes of Rice Krispies Treats alone weighed six pounds. (Be careful when you eat those!)

Chris and I checked in, said goodbye to our parents, and walked to the gate. At the newsstand, our last glimpse of America, we stocked up on snacks, drinks, and American magazines.

On the plane, we were thankful for window seats, but they were just in front of the bathrooms. It was convenient for leaning my seat back and using the bathroom frequently, but the space smelled of poop, and though I fell asleep for part of the flight, I woke up each time the door opened and the light flashed across my face. I watched several movies, though a few were so boring that I stopped them several minutes in. Chris and I were happy to catch up on one another’s company since we’d been apart for most of the time we were in Hawaii.

Friday, March 7
Upon arrival back in Japan, we went through the usual processing required of foreigners (passing through far more quickly than the Japanese people did), then returned to Miki in the usual slow fashion. We left the suitcases standing in the living room, opting to go straight to sleep. It was 3 am Hawaii time.

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Closing Thoughts

• I thought I would be hitting up the beach. You know, swimming, adding color to the translucent skin that I’ve acquired during this Japanese winter? Nope. Lazed around at home.
• I didn't drink a single cup of Starbucks while I was home.
• I often ate for the sheer purpose of eating.
  
• American portions are enormous. I couldn’t finish a single one of my meals out. Thank goodness for doggybags.
• I have no clue how all the crap I have in Japan will fit with all the crap currently cluttering my room.
  
• Your family loves you more when you've been gone for awhile.
  

Oh yes, and I forgot to announce awhile back that I passed Level 2 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Exam. This year is Level One!