Sayo-nara

I am so very thankful for this trip of a lifetime. I was deeply touched by the people of Japan who welcomed us with open arms. By nature the Japanese are a quiet and reserved people. That is, until you get to know them. They have a strong sense of humor and love to share a laugh. It was always easy to engage a stranger by asking to take a picture. They acted shy but they loved to pose for pictures. Children especially ran to have their pictures taken while giving the peace sign. I have come to deeply respect the people of Japan.


Even though life is hectic for the Japanese there is an order and purpose to their lives. The cities bustle with the hectic pace of the world, yet one can sense a feeling of calm and serenity in the daily activities. Cars respectfully negotiate heavy traffic, people walk the sidewalks always keeping to the left, and everyone, without exception, waits patiently for a green light before crossing the street. I never feared for my safety. Everywhere I went people were glad to help a lost visitor. When asked for directions the Japanese will walk with you until you are sure where you are going. The language barrier quickly was overcome with smiles and friendly chatter (even if neither party could understand the other).

In the end, it is nice to say that I climbed to the top of Tokyo Tower, that I enjoyed the beauty of the temples and shrines, and that I got to visit Japan. But really, when all is said and done it is the ties that bind us as human beings that are most important. Japan was about the smiles of children, the kindness of strangers and reaching out to someone who doesn't speak the same language. It was more than pristine cities and quiet countryside it was about the people who lived there. People who work hard, who love to laugh, and people who love their families. It is about making a connection to others and sharing what we have in common rather than looking at the things that make us different. It is about educating our children to respect others, to recognize the value in every human being and learning to live together in peace.


I WILL MISS...

hearing "Ohayo gazai-masu" (good morning)
the lights of Tokyo
the simple beauty of a Japanese garden
the hundred yen (dollar) store
Japanese weddings
navigating the subway system
the bullet train
crickets chirping
the children
my special friends from the Tajimi group
especially my host family in Tajimi

DOMO ARIGOTO GAZIMASU
Thank you Japan for sharing you heart with me.
Love,
Barbara Delaney