It has been about six weeks since we have been back from Japan and I have had a little time to digest all of the sites and sounds of the country.  So, after some reflection here are a few things that I found interesting about our trip.

One thing that struck me is that everything is in order.  The way people walk, stand in line, trains, traffic, merchandise on the store shelves; it is all neat and in order.

 I now know what it is like to be a true minority.  With my blond locks and fair skin I stuck out like a daisy among roses.  In the countryside it is rare to find anyone that speaks English.  Upon landing in Chicago my eyes and ears were happy to find familiar sights and sounds.

Japanese kitchens do not have ovens. 

I was in awe of the shrines and temples.  While I am not a religious person these places were spiritual.  I wish I had more time to explore these places.  I also felt at peace when I introduced myself to Harukas ancestors.

I love the Japanese "washcloth"  while not a washcloth like we use it is more along the lines of a very thin and long hand and face towel.  A far more useful item. 

The flight over and back was torture.  A combination of jet lag, bad airline food ( All Nippon food was fair but United Airlines food was some of the worst I have ever eaten ), and sitting in an uncomfortable seat made for some medieval torture chamber.  On the flight home I seriously thought I was going to come unglued.  Next time I will take a flight to the west coast, spend the night and finish the flight out the following day. 

The kindness toward us was something that in all my days I had never experienced.  If we stopped in the train station to look at a map or if we had that "lost" look, someone was there with a kind smile and helpful eyes trying their very best to help us.  Language was an afterthought, hand gestures, drawing pictures and my handy "Instant Japanese" book went far in communicating.  Yuko and Haruka along with their families went beyond what I could have imagined to make our trip memorable.

A few road blocks were put in our way and a handful of times I was unsure that we would make it. Looking back I am so thankful that we were able to make this trip and I look forward to another overseas adventure.

So much to blog and not enough time!

I have yet to finish blogging about "Adventure Japan" and I have spent seven days in Florida, another eight days in Deale, Md / Washington D.C. and now I packing for a camping journey to Huntington Beach State Park in South Carolina.  Thank goodness for old fashion paper and pen style of journals! I must start blogging offline when I roam because, for me, trying to catch up is near impossible.