Getting out of Jail

Jan. 15th - Jan 20th, 2014

I looked at my passport, trying to remember the story behind each stamp. The four-hour flight was boring. People on the airplane were noisy so that I stopped. Why do they travel in groups? They don’t know how fun it is to travel by oneself? The airplane arrived Aomori at 5 pm, 1 hour late due to the heavy snowing. During this period of time when snow covered the whole county, no one but Taiwanese tourists was interested in this so called “north country”. For me, this was a place close and easy to go breathing fresh air, feeling serenity and eating delicious food.

a hot spring hotel

a souvenir shop

a small castle. This is one of most famous spots for watching cheery flowers in spring

I preferred to walk around to see local people’s life. The purpose was discouraged by closed stores and silent streets, but I was not tired of watching the cleanness of common houses and streets. They perfectly matched the pure cold air and white snow. Maybe it was because of the plain environment, a feeling of loneliness flashed from my mind. I wanted something to fill my heart.

There was a girl at her early 20 in the group. “Was she open-minded, knowledgeable (speaking some English is preferable), and be able to take some risks for making a journey of life?“ I didn’t ask her these characteristics of my ideal partner. First, her father would kill me. Second, I was not so weak to surrender to loneliness like an ordinary man, at least in a very short trip. Can’t let the external environment dictates my action like an animal.

food was always one of the reasons for traveling in Japan

Tasted good and looked even better

small hot pot

this one tasted just fine

Breakfast was simple

Eat until you can't drop

small cakes, fruit, pudding and ice coffee

This short trip was simple and beautiful. It reconfirmed that the location where I am working was not satisfactory. After considering the possible difficulties caused by the cultural gaps, I think it is still appealing to work here. I collected some information from friends and faculty who have some experiences in working in Japan, and the results are disappointing. So I have to wait for the opportunity and strengthen myself. No matter how, my journey would continue.

so much to buy but I had no so much money