After five years of happy reminiscing, it was time for me to go back. My family had lived in Tokyo for four years and for the past five years one of our favorite things to do together was to remember our fun and special experiences there. I often thought about going back to visit, but due to cost and difficulty, finding the time, kids, and life getting in the way, it was low on my to-do list, but my husband was the one who finally suggested it.
“Honey, why don’t you take a trip there, have some time for yourself, visit friends.”
I grabbed at the chance and two weeks later I was sitting in the economy cabin, squished in a middle seat.
Despite my uncomfortable seat and next-to-no space, no-one could dampen my excitement for the next few days ahead of me. I savored every sip of the free bellinis offered, popped a magic sleeping pill in my mouth and woke 30 minutes before landing in Tokyo.
The jet lag was brutal. The first evening I couldn’t keep my eyes open beyond 8pm which meant I woke up at 2am. I’d forgotten to ask the friend who I was staying with, for the wifi password so couldn’t log on to Netflix or Hulu to watch my shows, so I tossed and turned, slipping in and out of slumber until 7am.
Although heavy with fatigue after a sleepless night, I slid out of bed, forced myself into the steaming shower and slowly began to feel the excitement of my first day in Tokyo.
I’m usually one to over schedule when visiting places, sight-seeing, and catching up with long lost friends, but due to the trip being so last minute I had only gotten in touch with a few special friends.
Anyone who has spent time as an expatriate would know that it is hard to find true friendship that lasts during these often challenging times, especially when living in a country whose culture is different from your own. But when you find that special bond, you tend to become friends for life. Even after you’ve left that particular country no matter how far it is away from where you end up living.
Miyako was one of those. She was an ex-colleague and a dear friend. We had become close working alongside one another at one of the international schools in Tokyo.
The plan was to meet up at the school, say a few hellos to my ex-colleagues and grab an early lunch, catch up and chat until the cows came home. It had been four years since we had last seen each other and a lot had happened in that time. For both of us.
I arrived at the school, even though a little late due to a slight miscalculation of walking time and had forgotten how easily you could get lost in the hustle and bustle of the busy narrow cluttered back roads of Tokyo.
Miyako was there to greet me. She hadn’t changed one bit; her still slender frame hidden under her usual oversized fawn colored knitted sweater, a black knee length pencil skirt, and slip-on pumps. She ran towards me, her huge grin lighting up the room and her contagious energy infusing our surroundings. I had missed that school girl charm of hers. It felt wonderful to see her. We hugged tightly.
After saying my hellos and goodbyes to the rest of the school staff – I felt rather bad at rushing in and out – she whisked me off and before I knew it we were jumping into one of the thousands of green and black cabs.
“So where are we off to?” I asked her.
“I thought you’d like so see Peter and his new baby. He’s invited us to his house for lunch” she said excitedly.
Peter was my ex-boss. Originally from California with that happy-go-lucky go with the flow school boy kinda charm who somehow managed to infiltrate himself into the polar opposite rigid conventional Japanese society. He and his partner at the time founded the school I worked at. He was the type of guy that whenever you were in his company you felt anything could be achieved. He had that unstoppable enthusiasm that an entrepreneurial -type with a million and one ideas in his head had ready for implementation.
I was excited to see him again and meet his new family.
The day was an amazing jumble of happy and sad. On the one hand happy to feel so at home in a place that was no longer home. To be able to pick up friendships where they left off four years ago with ease. On the other hand sad that I could no longer call this place home. I realized how much I missed this amazing vibrant city and these special people I called my friends.
The sun began to set and it was time for us to part ways. I was secretly looking forward to a couple of hours of alone time before meeting another friend in town for dinner. The day had been full of emotions and chatter and I was beginning to feel the cloud of jet lag set on my head and shoulders.
However, best-laid plans and all…after having said goodbye to Peter, Miyako excitedly said
“Do you have time for something? I’d love to take you somewhere”.
*photo credit mododeolhar
What a fantastic descriptive story so far! The way you describe your experiences, situations, and feelings is super. It is so easy to read and keeps me so interested. I love it & I can’t wait for Part 2 🙂
Thank you so much Jo. Watch out for Part 2 in the next few days.
Wow
Rudimentary, my dear boy!
This is really interesting. Looking forward to part 2!
Bravo!
Exquisite imagery, beautifully painted. The dialogue is so personable and descriptive I might as well be having these conversations myself! More, more, more.
Thanks Steve! That’s what I’m trying to achieve – yay!
Sam—I love your writing—whimsical and fun! Your descriptions make you feel like you could be there! Keep it up—can’t wait to read more!
Thanks so much Jill!
Thank you for all the armchair adventures! Well done, Lovely!
You have a very nice rhythm to your writing which keeps the reader interested and wanting to know more of what’s to come. Drawing us into your world is the key – I think you have it. Good luck.
Thanks Maxine. I appreciate your support and your feedback. Follow me and you’ll be notified when the next part is out – or keep coming back to visit Identity of a Gloval Nomad when you have time.
I want to read more!!! Where did Aya take you?!?! Suuuuuper good.
Thanks Francesca. You’ll see in the next part!
As always, I love your writing Sam! I remember seeing you after your trip to Tokyo. You were simply glowing and so glad to have seen your friends and Tokyo. Thank you for sharing these special times of your amazing life!
Thanks Mag. It is a completely different world out there. But Portland is special in it’s own way 🙂
Great writing Sam! It leaves me wanting to read more. You’ve done a brilliant job!
Looking forward to the rest of the story.
Thanks Nancy. I’m not sure if you hit the follow button yet. I will check on that. If not I’ll send you a reminder when the next part is out. Thanks for your support!
Impressive, you go girl!!
Thanks so much Jopie
I’m excited to read part 2!!
I loved this! I’m so excited to read the next part!
You’re so cool
Can’t wait for part two. So good!
Thanks so much Cathrine. If you click on the email in your inbox to follow me you’ll be notified when the next part is posted. Watch this space!
I love your writing Sam! You bring your reader on the adventure with you. You’re a great storyteller, spoken and written. Keep enthralling us!
Thanks so much June. Will endeavour to do just that. Thanks for your support.
Sam, wonderful writing! Your compelling story really captured my imagination. Looking forward to the next installment 🙂
Thanks so much Jackie. Look out for it tomorrow!