Surprise! Yes, I did visit home over the winter break. Keeping the secret for over a month was extremely difficult, I can assure you that. However, watching everyone’s reactions certainly made up for that factor. Tears, smiles, hugs and confusion – definitely an array of emotions were had that week.
I apologise to all those I didn’t get to see during my short time in Australia. Most of my time was spent among family celebrating Christmas – something I would have dearly missed if I had stayed in Japan.
It appeared I brought the coolness of Japan over with me to Australia. There were definitely no swimming days, especially with it only reaching 22C on Christmas day! However, my sister did surprise me with a visit to Bounce. And boy, did it feel amazing to do flips and saults (and even a few sneaky doubles) again!!
It was another tearful farewell at the airport as I left. Though I know that I will see my family in another 3 and a half months, which is slightly comforting news.
I then made my way to Shizuoka for New Years, to meet my sister’s host family for the first time. They are truly kind people; their hospitality was on a whole new level to what I’ve experienced. It was a real girly time, with the next few days spent with the host mother, daughter and grandmother. I even had my nails done ;)
New Years is celebrated a little differently in Japan. Countdowns are generally not done and it wasn’t until it was 5 minutes past midnight that I realized we had entered into the new year! On the first of the year, families will usually attend a shrine to have their first prayer of the year (called hatsumode in Japanese) and purchase their fortune (omikuji). For this year, I am meant to have the ‘best’ luck! The fortune slip has details on money, love, health and children.
The remainder of my time in Shizuoka was filled with new foods, shopping and Mt Fuji – it was a majestic sight to see!
From Shizuoka, I made my way to Tokyo for a night to meet with friends. It was a great way to finish the winter break – good company, food and drinks! It kept me in high spirits, up until I reached my very lonely apartment.
You must understand, that after spending nearly 2 weeks around people, it certainly feels strange to suddenly come back to a very empty house. Not to mention, it is cold too!! But once back into a routine, I am sure it won’t be so shocking.
I hope you all equally had a wonderful winter break, including a happy Christmas and safe New Year!
