After months of delays, bureaucratic red tape, endless packing, and a frantic dash across the sea, I’ve finally started losing quarantine pounds. Wait. No. I’ve finally moved to Japan! Long blog alert!
SONG INSPIRATION
This month’s blog is inspired by “Feel A Way” by H.E.R.
JAPAN – THE FLIGHT
The 3 connecting flights to Japan were as smooth as possible. Exactly what you want when you’re spending 15 hours in the air. Kudos to Korean Air for making the move across the globe a little bit easier. I know this pandemic is crushing the airlines, but having a trans-pacific flight at 25% capacity was amazing. I had an entire row to myself and slept for half of the 12-hour haul from LA to Seoul. Having an overnight flight also helped prevent major jetlag. The other two flights were each under 1.5 hours. The final flight from Seoul to Osaka was easily the worst. I just wanted to land, shower, and drink some water. I always get the worst headaches after flying great lengths, even if I do try to stay hydrated. By far the worst part of the move was the processing at Kansai International airport due to COVID-19. When I finally left the airport 3 hours after arriving, I felt like shit.
JAPAN – THE APARTMENT
My apartment complex is located in a quiet, upper middle-class (by the looks of it) neighborhood. For some reason, I pictured my apartment as a dorm-sized dwelling. In fact, it is more spacious – and underfurnished – than I expected (~700 sq. ft.). Although I’m thankful to have dining and living room furniture, I was seriously lacking in the cookware, entertainment, and everything else department. No microwave, rice cooker, TV, dishes, or anything. I must admit I did find the prospect of cleaning and furnishing a full apartment in a different country daunting. But after an initial day of panic, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. Three and half weeks later and I have a clean, adequately furnished apartment. It’s amazing how much more it’s felt like home in just the past week alone. Now that it’s furnished, I can start falling into a routine. I already have a schedule that includes working out, studying Japanese, and writing (e.g., novel progress is baller).
JAPAN – THE JOB
I’m nearing two weeks into my job as an assistant language teacher (ALT) and I love it! The students are energetic and respectful. The teachers have been very welcoming, kind, and supportive. And the work is far less daunting than research science. It’s just the break in routine I needed after 7.5 years of top-tier academia. That said, it’s exhausting. My cardio is the ~2-mile trek to work most mornings (I take the bus home). Yes, that’s by choice. Although the children are well-behaved, they are bundles of energy and require constant engagement. I’m in bed by 9 PM on weekdays and usually sound asleep until my alarm wakes me at 5:30 AM.
And before you ask if I’m already yearning for home, every time I get the slightest inkling of missing America, I need only browse the news to cure myself. The utter failure of systemic empathy and the chaos over the last year leaves little to be desired. Of course, there are other forces at work that could propel me back stateside sooner than expected.
The one thing I’ve yet to discuss is my present social circumstances. For me to thrive, a cadre of friends is a necessity no matter where I go. From Italy to Massachusetts to Arizona, I’ve always managed to build a lasting social network whenever I’m far from home. That hasn’t happened in Japan yet, but it’s too early. However, whether or not I choose to live here beyond 2021 will depend on whether or not I’m able to begin forming meaningful connections. If not, I will be returning home to my whoadies. Theoretically, the move to another country should be a formative experience – something that bonds people who otherwise wouldn’t meet or interact. While that’s still possible, it’s awfully tempting to return home after a long day’s work and isolate in your own apartment. And there’s also a pandemic and freezing temperatures to consider.
ACADEMIA CONTINUES….
I ain’t outta the woods yet. There are manuscripts in them thar hills! I’m still working on publishing my dissertation, which has been relegated to evenings, weekends, and holidays. Revisions for one of my manuscripts is due in about 3 weeks. And I’m still awaiting revisions from coauthors on my second. And the third one is in the queue. While I expected my move to slow progress on my manuscripts, I’m pleased that the delays have also been attributed to my coauthors and not just myself. Once I put aside a block of time to dedicate to completing those tasks, I know I can hustle. In fact, today – Thursday – is a holiday in Japan so I will be wrapping up my revisions on the first manuscript I mentioned. In all honesty, I can’t wait to publish these papers and be done with research science.
CURRENT SHOWS
Recently finished: Bridgerton; Death to 2020; Disenchantment (s3); Say I Love You; Schitt’s Creek (s4 – 6);
Currently watching: Bob’s Burgers (s6); Terrace House: Tokyo 2019–2020
Thank you so much for reading! My next blog is scheduled for Thursday, March 11th. I’m sure the next month will bring a swell of changes and updates. Until next time….
The Planetary Novelist 