Two weeks ago we moved to Japan, indefinitely. A country neither Erik or I had ever visited. It seems crazy to most people but, as strange as it sounds, this fact didn't even phase our decision. There were of course some things that we talked through, like the cultural differences in the work place that may be challenging, or the cost of living (rent likely doubling for less space) and that life would be a bit more restrictive for our puppy. Our biggest concern had actually nothing to do with Japan itself but with the distance between ourselves and our families and good friends. But this opportunity had far more pros than cons. From a work perspective, I would be transferring in my same role, just managing a different region; even getting to keep my same boss. I already knew the team and the work which takes so much anxiety out of something new. Because this was a move with a company, they paid for it. Everything from flights and visas to a moving/shipping company, to a guide on the ground to help us find a place to live and help us get through all the paper work. So we made the decision quickly and embraced our love for adventure. We had months to prepare for it. Partly because it took weeks after I verbally accepted the offer to get an official offer with salary for me to approve. Followed by a very long process to get a visa and then time for all the steps logistically. Yet, somehow, move day felt like it came very fast. Probably because we had so much support throughout the process - there wasn't the typical anxiety I feel to get everything done. It was also very nice that Erik could fully own the process of clearing out our items we weren't bringing and cleaning the apartment (things I hate doing) that take a lot of energy and are so important. In a blink we were in Tokyo and immediately dealing with language barriers. Maneuvering hundreds of pounds of luggage via a bus (in order to save over $200 because taxis are stupid expensive) to our temporary housing. I woke up that first night with food poisoning, the symptoms of which lasted over 24 hours (and included a stop in a public restroom to vomit while our guide was taking us to get set up with all our documents). But that first weekend we also found a house. Yes: HOUSE. As in, no shared walls with anyone else. With 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths and a fenced in garden path perfect for Mitch. Surprisingly, it is similarly priced to what we were paying in San Francisco but literally more than double the space. (To note, however: moving into a rented space is expensive. Just to get the keys we have to pay over $15,000. Less than half of that is a deposit to be returned upon departure.) We sign on it tomorrow and move in two weeks from now. (Fingers crossed all of our furniture arrives by then!) The first two weeks have been a blur of acclimation. Learning how to operate in a new work environment (we come in late and leave late and there is much more Japanese spoken than English). Erik is learning more Japanese every day. We've run around the Palace, at the edge of the 23 Wards, around temples, and up and down hills in our neighborhood. We attended a run club track practice and crushed some fast miles (and started making friends). We've successfully navigated the subway - even during the busiest time of day on the busiest line (it was unpleasant). We watched the Superbowl from a viewing party at a bar... at 8AM on a Monday. We've ordered sushi from a screen and been served by conveyor belts. We've walked into a restaurant and said omakase (chefs choice) and simply eaten what they served us. And we've definitely already sang karaoke. We're just getting started and we already love it. It's challenging. It's exciting. The food is delicious. I can understand how people can feel lonely here. But I feel so alive and connected at the same time. I couldn't think of a better place to be right now in my life: combining food, runsploring, career, travel...and sharing the experience with the guy I love. Cheers!
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorA Midwest girl gone global. I choose happiness everyday: I run, eat well, travel, and love completely. Archives
March 2022
Categories |