So I'm back from Japan, and I find myself reflecting upon the journey I have been on. Yet, that might be getting ahead of myself, for I have not informed of the final days in Japan, and I think I should do that prior to rounding off the tale of this most wonderful trip.

As I approached the final day at the orphanage, I decided to write a short speech, since all of the volunteers say goodbye at the evening dinner, and I knew that although I could do a speech, I would make tons of mistakes without having it on paper.
I wrote a Japanese speech (in Hiragana = ひらがな, and then in arabic after -- I am faster at reading arabic at the moment ;) ), and read it after dinner the final day. I thanked the staff, the children, and in general everyone for being so kind, and having been so patient with my at times lacking Japanese skills. They seemed to be very happy with the speech, and I got a present (selection of photos on a wooden board) to bring home - I was very delighted with it :]

The following morning, I left the orphanage, and went back to the family. On that day, we went out to have ramen for lunch, and after that to a shopping centre to kill time. That evening, we had Sukiyaki again (NOM NOM!!), and I packed my bags. The next morning at 4:30am, we got up and drove to the airport at 5:10am.

At the airport checkin, they also scanned your check-in luggage (not very normal in Europe), and they complained about me having a Zippo lighter (bought it at a used item store) in my checked luggage. They said "sorry, but you will have to put it in your hand luggage, if that's OK with you?". Very interesting, I thought.

Anyhow, the travel home was long and boring ;D Oh, and yeah, in Tokyo, they confiscated my Zippo lighter because it was in my hand luggage..

Well, now I am home, and the trip is done. It has been a fantastic experience, and I wish it had been longer. I am grateful for all the hospitality and kindness I have recieved during my stay, and all in all, this has been a delightful and educating experience.

I'd really like to thank Pace International ( http://pace-homestay.com/ ) for organizing this trip -- it has given me memories that I will treasure for life :]

That's all for this trip, I think! I wonder when I will update my blog next? I am extremely slow at it at the moment ;)

Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it! :)

/John 'nox' Hand.