July 24-25, 2006

My final two days in Japan have been spent saying too many goodbyes to too many people - but I know that in doing that I have made many new and long-lasting friends here in Japan.

Today is Tuesday and I leave Tokyo having arrived here 1 year ago. My life now is very different to what it used to be, yet in many ways, still the same. I have matured, grown, and developed into someone new. I have learned, seen, and experienced many things that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I have created and cultivated ties and bonds that I don't ever want to let go of.

Yesterday was hard as I met up with 4 friends and said goodbye to each of them, each time wondering when the next time I see them will be. I met a friend for lunch - Tatsuya, who has been a great mentor for me over the last few months. I will miss him greatly! I then met my close Italian friend Vanessa! Baneko-chan! She and I did a volunteer project way back in February together. But she was actually the first "friend" I made at Waseda - I met her all the way back in September of last year. It wa very hard to say goodbye to her. Sha'll we meet again in Italy one day!
I then farewelled one of the Japanese guys who volunteered in my class over the course of the past year and then sayd goodbye to my closest English student - Juri.
She is an inspiration to anyone studying English - give it you're all and don't give up!

Last night I then attended a practise session for the dance I performed at the International Festival. Said goodbye to everyone there and performed with them one last time. Lots of good memories!

Made it home in time to spend some quality time with Kazuya. He took the day off today, so we slept in before having lunch out and visiting my original accommodation in Ogikubo - where I stayed when I first came to Japan. Many memories from there also.

We have just arrived home, and I have double checked all my bags and we are about to leave for the airport...

Thanks everyone for reading all my emails and postings over the last year and for replying and keeping in contact.

Look forward to seeing you all soon!

Tim
xxxx