Exit Strategy

Scrap the initial plan. I'm coming home in the fall.

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Right. So to elaborate. After spending a year in Tokyo, I feel that there is nothing else for me here. I did all that I wanted to do. I've proven to myself that I can live on my own in the most foreign of countries. I've met all my personal goals. I haven't mastered the language but I've learned a decent amount. And I didn't need two years for it all.

For the last month, I've been feeling a little uninspired. I thought a new camera would help me 'open my eyes' again. Though I love my new camera, it didn't solve the problem. Also, my job is unfulfilling. It's safe to say that would not want to do this any longer. Finally, the Japanese lifestyle is not the lifestyle for me. After this experience, I would never choose to live here. I don't have negative feelings towards all this nor do I regret any of it. I just realize now what really fits and what needs to go.

Staying here for two years was only an approximation-a number that allowed me to conveniently avoid the Olympics in Vancouver. But looking at the big picture, if I didn't want to be around for the Games, I can still leave town when the time comes. It's not that difficult. At the same time though, I hope to see Vancouver in a new light. I can talk shit about it all day, but there's got to be some positive qualities that I could embrace and use as inspiration.

So back to the real deal. I would still like to go to Hong Kong and Australia for 4 weeks if it makes sense (weather, available friends, flight costs, etc.). I would like to leave Tokyo by the end of July. However, my band has a show in late August and they want me to stay for it...

"For my own part, regret nothing. Have lived life, free from compromise ... and step into the shadow now without complaint." -Rorschach, Watchmen