This past week was probably the hardest one so far. I was hit with my first wave of homesickness that made it hard to find the energy or motivation to do much else but stay in my bed. I ended up ordering McDonald’s from UberEATS because I missed familiar food. Being away from my home has made me understand just how much I do love my home. Even something as simple as McDonald’s brought me to tears because I smelled something familiar for the first time in weeks.
My habits have not changed all that much from what I do back home. The people in my dorm are nice, but I am too nervous to really hang out with them, so I end up staying in my room like I do back at Tech. However, without my roommate I am so lonely. Part of why I hadn’t left my room past the lack of motivation is that I am too nervous to go anywhere alone, but I finally got the courage to go out by myself. It was nerve-wracking but doing it did give me a sense of satisfaction and independence. I went to lunch by myself near the dorm. Going out did majorly help me feel a lot better, paired with the McDonald’s and I was back to myself.
My favorite food I have tried so far is this cafe near my dorm called the Sanrokugo Stand Cafe. They serve freshly made pastries and foods and drinks. My go to is often a roll with chocolate chips and their royal milk tea. The cafe feels like it is straight out of a movie and is picture perfect. I already know I am going to miss it so much when I go back home.
I have been spending pretty much every day with Buckie and Frida, two other Tech students who came to Japan with me. We spend most of our time exploring the big city of Sakae while shopping. Navigating the trains, buses, and massive cities are a lot less scary with them by my side. They have been incredibly patient with me, and I do not think I’ll be able to repay their kindness.
Long story short, I was not as settled in as I thought. However, I do think I needed that to allow me to fully settle in. I feel much more confident and at home in Nisshin now that I’ve walked out by myself and got out of that rut I was in.
