One year from that day that I left to explore Asia on my own. Last year passed by so quickly. That day I anticipated for so many years, is already one year ago.. I can still remember it clearly, the first day I arrived at Shang Hai. Freezing, trying to find my way to my home. The taxi driver telling me how it started freezing a couple of days ago. The cold cold house, where I did not know how to turn on the boiler. Visiting Rui Rui's parents, sleeping on a wooden bed. The day I had to leave again for Japan. The sadness I felt everytime I had to leave a place. How I went to Japan on my own, not knowing the people. Meeting Ting Ting at the entrance of SH3 and how we both were hungry but not knowing where to go to have a nice meal. The country where I did not know how to speak the language. The tatami mat and the futon bed, which I miss now. The amazing friends I've met there and how I miss their presence around me. The great places I've visited where I could rest my mind. The place where I had no responsibilities to think about. Having dinner together everyday, doing homework, watching movies, going dancing, study for exams and the epic bike rides. I miss it all..みんなさん、元気ですか？I went to study abroad, so I could learn, experience, and grow as a person. I learned Japanese, experienced many new things, but did I also grow as a person? As soon as I got back home in Holland, it felt like I never left and nothing changed. I feel like the same person as I was before, except that I have a memory that I cherish very much. The warmth I felt everyday, how I could set my mind at ease. Where I could be free and do my own things. Sometimes I wondered whether I made the right choice going to Japan instead of Korea, but I definitely do not regret my decision now. I had a great time. I also enjoyed my stay in Korea afterwards. Eating 비빔밥, 야채, 김밥, 팥빙수, 만두 and more delicious food. Singing at the 노래방 dressed like a dino, going to 데프댄스스쿨 for 5 weeks and all the things I've learned during my stay. Can't believe it's already been 6 months since I came back from Asia. However, this will not be the end, as I will be going back to Korea again. Still haven't entirely made up my mind yet. Shall I go to China to study Chinese? Or go to Korea to practice dancing and study some Korean in the meanwhile? One thing is sure, I will be going. May it be for a year, or even longer. Before I can do all these things, I gotta start on my thesis first and graduate this year. So till that time comes I will be working hard. Let's meet again =)


Written by XJR, at 1:10 AM