Quote:
Originally Posted by Ultraseven
Interesting, what was it like living in Japan for three years? I spent some time in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka last year, but I would like to see more of the countryside on my next visit, particularly Hokkaido.
What did you dislike about Tokyo? I know parts like Harajuku can be busy, but I enjoyed the atmosphere. It's good to experience both the city and country as you did.
How come you don't live in Japan now?
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Living in Japan was great. I don't live there now because I wanted to find something more meaningfull than being an English teacher. I love teaching, but English in Japan is irrelevant. Once I returned home I realised how much I love my country. I went to Japan as someone who wanted to see the world after earning an Anthropology degree. I returned just prior to
sept. 11. I love my country and have found rewarding work. However, my family visits Japan every year and I return every year or two.
I didn't enjoy Tokyo because it was just another big city. I can see that in san francisco or LA. I lived in a rural area in the states prior to Japan and lived in the countryside in Japan, so I was used to a slower more genuine environment. Tokyo was big, loud and messy. I have no need to see a bunch of kids dressed like hippies in harajuku.
In the countryside I could learn more about traditional culture and history. I also could visit more beautiful natural and historical places.
Hokkaido was beautifull, but more similar to the geography of northern America. I went to learn about the Ainu, so I stayed in a fantastic hot springs resort, visited the spa twice a day, hiked among the treed with their fall colors and talked to Ainu.
What did you see that interested you in Japan?