Four years I have studied a language and culture that I have not had direct contact with at all. Now I bring all of my presuppositions and biases into that country. My impression of Japan is that once going, I may never want to come back. Bored with, tired of, and angry at so many qualities of the country I live in, anywhere seems like a great place, especially Japan. However, I may find out the exact opposite. I am about to be a foreigner for the first time.
Public transportation is light years ahead of the U.S. No urban sprawl. I can ride my bike or take a bus to many of the places I need to go. I will no longer be afraid of the bus sneaking by me, because another will be exactly on time in about two minutes. Independence is more easily facilitated. The food is healthier, and there are fast-food alternatives for people who are in a hurry. Consideration for others, politeness, and respect for the order of society could drive a hot-blooded American like myself insane, but on the contrary, I believe it will bring me serenity. Even the greater sense of community in contrast to the ever-asserted individuality of Americans will be refreshing. Will this true-blue, country boy with punk sensibilities be able to put his autonomy aside for harmony with others?
If you know me at all, you know that I'm ready to leave the roaches, the dirt, the smog, the L.A. hip-dads, politics, the christians, the homophobes, the gentrification, the drastic class margin, the hamburgers, and the college-liberal fake-hippies behind. Of course, everywhere you go is going to have it's disadvantages and it's assholes. I also understand that visiting a country for leisure and dwelling there are two distinctly differing viewpoints. However, I'm still convinced it's going to be a magical wonderland. There, no one can ever suffer! My values and my style just seem to tilt East. I can't wait to get the hell out of this country. Let's see if I'm wrong.
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