The final days

This is my last day in Tokyo before I head back to the states. I sit here in total peace now, a stark contrast over the last few days in which a trip to the beach, Fuji Rock, and a party have turned the noise and excitement levels to 11. The air conditioner in the room is broken so the I can almost feel the sweltering heat being emitted from the open window. Japan gets incredibly hot in the summer and if you're not dealing with the heat then torrential rain shower will ensure that if you're not hot you're wet. The rain brings temporary relief from the sweltering heat but serves a devil's advocate later on and only succeeds to increase the humidity and make things even more unpleasant.

I really don't mind that much, air conditioning and paper fans solve the problem quickly, it's a very small complaint next to a list of things I love about Tokyo, love about Japan and why I'm so bittersweet on leaving.

I have been more adventurous in Japan than I have ever been in America. I have taken more calculated risks, traveled down more less traveled paths, and explored a more diverse setting than anywhere back in America. It's safer to do that here, it's safer to go off the beaten path, to find the hidden and lost from society and to satisfy that sense of wanderlust whether it's from the giant metropolises or green and hilly farmland. Japan is a country which greatly rewards exploration and I have taken great advantage of that. Never before have I been to a place where the food taste better, the people are friendlier, the air cleaner, and the days longer. For years I have heard stories about great this place was, until I experienced it for myself I never would have believed it.

I might not take back much from here, but the memories will be enough to last a lifetime. It is impossible to replace memories of playing on the beach, exploring the ocean swept rocks, having seven foot waves crash down on you and have fireworks later on. Memories of waiting in the poring rain for three hours to see my favorite band, slowly succumbing to fatigue and getting chilled from the rain only for them to appear and give an amazing performance. Mud up to my ankles and some French dude crashing into everyone in the back could't ruin it. Waiting for a train for five hours while sleeping and camping out with a bunch of business men and Fuji Rockers was part of the experience too. Nothing like fatigue and inebriation among fellow music fans to make five hours fly by in a flash. I also didn't take the bullet train back but rather the normal train routes. They were much cheaper but also took nearly four hours to get back to the city. It was long, but the view on the way there was fantastic. To watch you window view slowly transform from green fields of rice to grey concrete pillars was a reminder of just how different the two sides of Japan are.

I got the fuller experience this time around. I was able to see all sides of Japan from people of all walks of life. I came here to learn, explore, accomplish a step of my goals, and have fun. I have accomplished all four in spades, and am rewarded with bright futures, new life lessons, and memories to last a life time.

Now it's time to say goodbye, like the woman you see once a year or the best friend you haven't seen in awhile, partings must be made. I want to go home but I can't stand leaving here. I am always happy here, I always have an answer to my problems, and I always am willing to be more than myself, I'm willing to be a better person. Tokyo brings out the best in me and like the neon city, I strive to shine along with it.

I don't know if I'll ever come back here, I want to make a promise that I will but time and life is funny in how it never works the way we expect. I will instead promise that I will try my hardest to return to the city that I love, the lover clad in silver, neon, and green.

Goodbye for now Tokyo, you might not remember me or even know who I am but I will never forget you, a weathered vision in my brain for years to come and the lingering soft kiss from a city that loves you back.