I’m about to leave for the subway which will take me to the airport. (Edit: Just to point out how kind people in Japan are, a neighbor of the friend I stayed with saw me struggle with my 25kg backpack and gave me a ride to the airport. It wasn’t on his way.)

Japan has been such an amazing experience. Some of the most memorable:

Going to an onsen. I’ve never even worn a bikini in public, yet alone even DREAM of going to an onsen and bathing naked in public. But I did it.

Tasting raw whale. 

Sneaking into Hikone’ Castle as it was about to close. The sun was setting, the sakuras were in bloom, the castle was empty and overlooking a massive lake and I was with the best company. The moment was perfect.

The kindness of the people of Japan. Throughout my stay, people here have been so kind, and so helpful towards me. A lady gave me a bus ticket when I was alone and confused about the ticketing, on two occasions people gave me their umbrella that they were using as I didn’t have any and it was raining, a family guided me through Arashiyama when I got lost in a bamboo forest and took me to a tea drinking ceremony, I lost my wallet with my passport with 30 000 yen and someone returned it with NOTHING missing at all, being able to connect with a patient without even being able to speak the same language and of course the infinite help from people for directions and questions.

It’s the people of Japan that has made me fallen in love with this country. They go out of their comfort zone, their natural shyness to help you. That’s something that I appreciate .