Everyone has asked me what do I like the most about Yamaguchi, and they are very surprised when I tell them I enjoy the people the most. But it is the truth. Everyday I go
grocery shopping at the same store, and I now have my favorite cashiers. One is an older woman who, no matter how busy she is, she will try to have a simple conversation in Japanese with me. And the other is a young man about my age who will let me practice my conversational phrases and will always respond with a big smile and a small laugh. Although they understand that I speak only a little Japanese and will normally use the wrong word or mispronounce the word, they never get frustrated or tired of me. Every time they greet me with a smile, and every time they will send me off with a きをつけって(take care).
My students are amazing; they are truly interested in me and how I am doing. Sometimes I think they worry about me a little too much, but I am touched that they care. If I have any problem, every single person has their own advice on how to fix it. They are very generous people and very kind people, and I am honored to have the chance to get to know them.
Even strangers have been very kind and generous to me. This past weekend I went to Fukuoka with the other teachers to celebrate my roommate's birthday. We were at a little bar/restaurant, and when they found out it was my roommate's birthday, they held a small party for her including cake and karaoke. I am still amazed that people we had just met went
to so much trouble for us.
There are so many times where I have met a stranger who has been extremely kind to me during the short time here, and those are the moments that are special to me. Of course I would
like to see the many famous sites in Japan, but I won't be upset if I only get to see a few of them.
What I would regret is not having the chance to meet new people and make many friends. Spending time talking with someone new and practicing the language is more important to me than seeing tourist spots, because I am going to treasure the memory of that person more than anything else.
