In Need of a Vacation

A picture of socks, what's this about you ask? They are symbolic of my frustrations over here. Since you need to wear closed-toed shoes to enter most temples in Bangkok, I tried to buy plain athletic socks this past weekend before I left. This seems like an easy enough task, but I momentarily forgot that I was in Japan. Here, I am a giant by female standards. After a few stores and contemplating the purchase of overpriced Gap socks, I decided that I should just try some men's socks (my foot size just fits into the standard men's range, but they tend to have wide feet over here).

As I head into the last third of my contract, I am starting to think about the US and leaving Japan. I will definitely miss the freshness of the sushi, fruits, and vegetables over here (even at the cheapest of places), not having to deal with traffic by taking the train, and also the weekend playground that Tokyo offers me with it's kus (cities), festivals, and numerous activities. But there are some things that I definitely won't miss, such as constantly being the outsider (I am white and really tall for a woman), intrusive strangers, and the blind acceptance of a workaholic culture.

I think this just might be a sign that I need a vacation. Hopefully, spending a few days emerged in the Thai culture will recharge me and prepare me for my last few months over here!