I made it through a full year here in Japan and accomplished something I’ve dreamed of doing! It has been an amazing experience and at the same time extremely challenging. I truly feel that growth and learning come from the challenges we endure in life.
I’ve now been happily unemployed for a little over two weeks. What am I doing with all my free time? Cooking and making “Plant-Based Delights” of course! I wanted to celebrate and co-hosted a party with my friend and yoga teacher. I titled the event “Life Is Short, Eat Dessert First!” Small bites, desserts and bubbles. What could be better? So my first week of freedom was spent making six different desserts. It doesn’t feel like work and it brings me so much joy to share with others. The gathering was a success and a wonderful celebration.
So what will I do now? That is the million dollar question! I have decided to take a road trip around Hokkaido. The summer is so beautiful and I really want to see more of the prefecture where I’ve been living for the past year. I’m planning to be gone for about a week. I will camp, hike and just BE! I really am excited to take some time and reflect on the many gifts this past year has brought me.
As we all know, it’s hard to plan much travel during this time of COVID and returning to the US just isn’t appealing at this point and time. Besides Tokyo, Japan has appeared to be keeping the virus under control. Domestic travel is open and I REALLY am aching to see more of Japan. I am going to travel wisely and safely; stay away from the bigger cities, stay in private accommodation when I can and of course wear my mask, sanitize and social distance. It certainly has become the way of life now.
I am planning to leave the end of this month and hopefully travel for much of the month of September. I’ll leave most of my belongings here in Hokkaido and return once my travels are satisfied. That said, I will also be open to whatever I may find along the way; possibilities and opportunities that might arise during my travels. I am open to try somewhere and something different. I truly have no idea what that looks like and that is part of the excitement of being open. It helps that I have another one year work visa so I can legally stay in Japan if I choose to do so. I can also decide at any point to return to the US.
So, in spite of the fact that so many things have been taken away from us, I still feel we all have choices. That is what I’m choosing to focus on and I continue to be grateful for each and everyday!
I hope you all are staying as positive as possible in these uncertain times. Please stay safe and choose to be happy!
Much love,
Antoinette
Antoinette So wonderful to hear you’re well and keeping a positive attitude- which is no surprise! Have a spectacular journey to Hokkaido and stay healthy and safe! I’ll keep you in my thoughts as always.
Thanks for the gorgeous photo!
Much love, Alice
My beautiful friend full of wander-lust and adventure – my wish is that after the COVID goes away and we are safe that we can sit together and share what all has transpired in our lives…..I would love to hear your sweet voice once again.
Peace to you and take care – Love and admire you – Always and forever!
Christine
Hi Christine, I would love nothing more then to spend some quality time with you! We’ll be in touch and once I return and the craziness subsides…we’ll get together. I miss and love you!
Antoinette
Peace and Love to you Antoinette as you continue to explore and travel. Thanks for sharing your journey. XO my fabulous friend.
Thank you Joe! I miss you and still want to connect….soon? xo