Guys, my study abroad is over, and I'm off back home to the UK.... so much mixed feelings. I'm going to cry while writing this post, I know it. I love Japan so much- I've admired it from afar for so long and actually getting to study here has been a dream come true for me.
I've definitely learned a lot this year, but it's so hard not to compare myself to others and feel like I didn't do as much as I should have. Anyway, in the spirit of being less harsh on myself and being proud of my achievements over the last 11 months, here are some of the most important things I learned while being abroad.
What I've learned in Japan:
How to be a little more confident in my fashion// It sounds silly coming from someone who's always dying their hair pastel, but I could never work up the courage to wear a red lip in the daytime, and I finally got into it over the last couple of months! I'm proud of myself! I've also pulled off wearing things like my silver holographic skirt, which I never thought I'd be able to do. I also (shock) bared my legs a few times! As someone who still struggles with body image, it was a huge win for me. Maybe one day I'll even wear a bikini!I went places by myself// I'm actually really bad at being on my own, and I get lonely fairly easily, but I managed to pull it together and go to a gig and to Kyoto and stuff by myself. Go me, being a strong independent woman and stuff.
I managed to survive a long distance relationship// while we're talking about being independent. Obviously, it takes two to tango, but I think I've got a little less clingy and jealous. Maybe a little. So happy we could make it work even between Tokyo and Osaka.
How to navigate better// Even if it's just using Google maps, I've worked out how to work out a route and get to new places, and I'm also apparently the 'go-to' navigator in my friend group- eek. I also pretty much know my way round town in Osaka. (Except Umeda station. It's a maze. Screw you Umeda station. Just joking ily.)
How to eat food I really don't like// I love most Japanese food, but especially at the start, seafood just creeped me out and I couldn't eat it. (prawns with their lil eyes, and squiggly slimy seaweed, and don't get me started on natto...) I've learnt to try everything, and to just eat it because it's more polite. Also, I learnt to like most of it too! (just not Natto)
SO MUCH JAPANESE// Let's be real, I worked my ass off this year. I learned so much Kanji, so many interesting things about Japanese history and culture, and I got to practise speaking a lot! Obviously, I still have a long way to go, but I think this year's purpose has been achieved.
The importance of taking care of myself// even though I didn't always do the best job, I think this year is the year I finally learned the importance of basic self care.
A little photography// I treated myself to a real camera, the Nikon D3300, and I'm learning a lot more about photography. I really wanna concentrate more on this in summer :)
Also, even though I'm off back to the UK, I still have months of photos to post about, so there is still plenty more Japan content to come ;) I still haven't posted about Tokyo, I have a huge haul, there's also a SuG gig and loads of gorgeous scenery to come.
See you on the other side, guys <3
-Amy xoxo
Packing tips: What I packed for my year abroad// How to cope with loneliness/homesickness on your year abroad// Ready to go home?// My plans for the perfect English Summer//
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