Holidays in Japan

The flurry of the holidays has simmered back down into the regular routine of life.  Our third year being away from home from the holidays.  We always miss our families and friends during this time even more acutely than usual. 

Our first year away we stayed in Japan for the holidays.  It was Karl’s and my first Christmas as a married couple.  We made lots of cookies, sat under our kotatsu, and watched all the Christmas classics. 

Our second year away, we celebrated the holiday season in India.  That was an incredible experience I will not soon forget. 

Our third year away, we had company.  And not just any company-one of my younger sisters made the journey to Japan to visit us during our holiday vacation.  We were delighted to share our Japanese life with her.  

Also-I got a really cute holiday manicure.  Just for fun.  

Returning

Sooner than we knew it, we were on our way back towards Tokyo.  We could hardly believe how quickly our week had passed by. 

During our last full day in Japan with Karl’s family, we made our way to Ogawa Machi to show them the home we have made for ourselves here.  We arrived in the afternoon and had just enough time to make it up to two of Karl’s schools and introduce them to his fellow teachers and some of his students. 

Karl in front of Higashichichibu Mura Junior High School

With the basketball team.

With the volleyball team.

What a unique and wonderful experience!  Everyone was extremely gracious.  They offered a sake drinking set as a gift to Karl’s parents. 

That evening we met some of our friends at our favoritelocal dive bar.  It was the perfect way to end our trip together in Japan. 

With the fried chicken that Papa San gave us as a present!

The following morning, Karl and I brought them all to Ikebukuro station in Tokyo to see them off. 

Last photo together in Japan.

It is difficult to say goodbye to people for whom you care so much.  During this trip, Karl and I were newly reminded of our lives waiting for us back at home with our families and friends.  We miss everyone so much now and are already beginning to look ahead as we begin our final year in Japan. 

The time will fly.

As the express train bound for the airport whisked our family away, we slowly gathered ourselves together and walked ahead to our day…together in Tokyo.