Back in my 20s, I was fortunate enough to live in Japan for three years. My husband was in the Army. Part of the reason Brett joined the military straight out of college was so that we could travel. Boy, was this traveling! We were both very excited when we got the news of our new duty station. Well, I was excited after I called the U.S. Embassy and learned that we could take our dogs. I couldn’t leave the country without my pups.
Seeing as how we had two dogs, and they would not be able to fly if it was too cold in January, we embarked on a drive from New Jersey to California to leave for Japan. Yes, we were young and stupid. It was actually a good trip, but I’m betting they set that rental car on fire when we were done with it. It smelled like dog and we basically trashed that Corsica. Alas…
I know it sounds strange to say, but immediately upon arriving in Japan, I felt at home. There was just something right about my being there. I was exactly where I needed to be. I loved it from the start. All the people, the lights, the food, the constant buzz of excitement. It was magical.
We lived about 30 miles outside of Tokyo. The suburbs, if you will. We went into Tokyo quite often. We found a wonderful Indian restaurant on its outskirts. We went there every Friday night for dinner. We would then walk the streets and shop for pottery and other fun Japanese stuff. Japan has the best “stuff.”
We made friends that we still keep in touch with to this day. We visit them in DC and San Francisco whenever we get the chance. Our daughter loves hearing about our wild and funny times in Japan. You’re going to get funny when you don’t speak the language. It’s not like we didn’t try, but damn, it’s hard. For the record, I can still order beer and ask where the bathroom is located in Japanese. Some things you never forget.
My favorite Japan adventure was the Hakone Open Air Art Museum. Brett and I spent a beautiful fall day there. The art was amazing. Afterwards we did a boat ride at the base of Mt. Fuji. Talk about a view! It is a day that will remain etched in my mind forever. It was truly a perfect day.
Culture, history and food aside, by far the best thing about Japan was the people. I have never met nicer, more honest, and kind people in my life. Most everyone we came into contact with when we were out exploring was friendly and helpful. Once we had a little old woman lead us around a huge train station in Tokyo to make sure we got on the right train. Have you ever seen a subway map of Tokyo? It looks like a bowl of spaghetti. It’s crazy! To this day, I’m still grateful to that woman.
I think about my time in Japan often. It really helped shape me. It gave me my faith and friends I will have for a lifetime. It also gave me perspective. I looked at the world and where I could go and what I could do differently after living there. I’m so grateful for the experience.
I’m just a middle-class kid from Eastern Kentucky, but living in Japan taught me I could go anywhere and try anything. It is why I love travel and meeting new people. For that, I say, “Arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you very much) to the land of the rising sun.
Side note: You have not lived until you’ve seen the Cherry Blossom trees in Japan in the spring. Breathtaking.
Angela Traver
What is this blog about? Well, it's a general blog, but it is also a very specific blog. If you get that reference, you get a gold star! I have been a public relations professional and writer of press releases for more than 20 years—primarily in the booze biz. I decided to do some writing for fun and embrace the humor that gets me through most days. Hopefully it will make you chuckle—or at least smile. I’m a certified crazy magnet, and more than a little nutty myself, so buckle up. Also, I have two vices—profanity and red wine/whiskey. You’ve been warned. It should also be noted, that I’m a HUGE Bob & Sheri fan. I’ve been a listener for more than 20 years. This opportunity is a dream come true and it may have made me cry. That being said, I cry at everything. If you are into booze, dogs, food and/or knitting, hit me up on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter (although I’m terrible at Twitter and it scares me) @kyspiritsgal. You can also find all my previous blog posts at www.kyspiritsgal.com.
