First post of 2014, and over two weeks have already flown by since we returned to Japan from our trip to Vancouver. Although the jet-lag and long plane rides inevitably took a bit of a toll on the little ones up until last week, it’s a small price to pay for the satisfaction that was taking the whole family to Vancouver for the 1st time ever.
Interestingly, it was also my first time back in 3 years, back when the last thing on my mind was getting married and starting a family of my own. Little did I know then than just a few months later, I would not only tie the knot with a splendid and beautiful woman, but also become a Father to an intrepid little boy and a delightfully enchanting little girl. That’s how Life happens; unexpectedly surprising us without warning in unforeseen ways.
Suffice to say that it was a great pleasure for me to see both of my kids and wife finally meet in person so many of my friends, loved ones, and acquaintances in Vancouver. In addition, being able to show them many of the incredible places, restaurants, and natural wonders that Van has to offer, along with the places I grew up in, made the trip that much more enjoyable.
Overall though, I think watching both of my parents fully embody their role as grandparents, and my brother and his fiancé their role as an aunt and uncle, was an absolute delight to witness and experience first hand.
Having gone from house to house, party to party, restaurant to restaurant, and coffee shop to coffee shop across Vancouver, it became pretty evident to me that in so many ways, despite how much my life has changed since I left Van to start a new chapter elsewhere, being there makes it feel as as though I never really left it. Whether it was catching up with friends and people I hadn’t seen in years, or simply walking on the very familiar streets and beautiful Stanley Park and UBC campus, it felt as though Japan was just a dream I had the night before from which I had just woken up. I suppose it’s the same feeling I get when I visit my homeland, Mexico City; it's as if the song was left on pause waiting for your return in order to continue playing right from where you left off.
I’m not sure if that’s the same way most people feel when they return to a place where they have spent a great deal of time before, but I suppose it goes to show how the places that shape us into who we are become so ingrained into our identity, way of living, and way of seeing the world around us. You never really feel out of tune with the rhythm of that place regardless of the length of your absence. Vancouver will always be one of the places I call my “home”, and it was refreshing to relive what it’s like to be there.
Not surprisingly, one of the questions that often came up while we were there, had to do with whether I see myself (along with my family) staying here in Japan ‘forever’. My reply was the same time and time again: I don’t take the words “never” or “forever” lightly. All I know is that time will reveal what lies ahead, and although there are things about Japan that I’ve truly come to dislike after 4.5 years, there are also many others that I still (and always will) love. In addition, I think I owe it to Kai, Hikari, and Kaori to soak up the culture, language, and great customs that their country of birth has to offer. I know for a fact that preventing them from enjoying that would be something I would deeply regret later in life.
In a sense, it’s just like the story of my life while growing up. Having spent my early childhood years in Mexico City, it’s clear to me that had my parents removed my brother and I from that environment, we certainly wouldn't be as well rounded as we both are today, nor would we speak Spanish. Bottom line is, we got the best of both worlds, and now I have a chance to offer the best of a completely different world to them throughout their own formative years. So whether it’s 5, 10, or 15+ years, Japan is where we’ll be until the proper time to move elsewhere arrives.
As mentioned in previous posts, this year will bring an end to my fifth and final year JET Programme position. Although there is currently a certain level of uncertainty on what comes next for me, I am also excited to close this chapter and begin a new one elsewhere. I’ve learned a lot about Japan, teaching, and myself in the last few years; thus, the prospect of doing something different is refreshing and very much appreciated. All should be decided in the coming months; for now, I remain assured that everything will work itself out. It always does, especially when you know how to be open and follow the signs.
After all, everyone’s current safe boundaries were once unknown frontiers. We can never (should never) stop EXPLORING what’s around us.
In closing, I just want to say that it was truly wonderful catching up with so many of you lovely people, who read this Blog regularly, and have actively followed my family’s journey here in Japan since day 1. It was so great to see how successful and happy all of you are in your respective professions and ways of living. I think I can speak on behalf of the whole fam when I say that we are so looking forward to heading back to Van in August and see my bro and his wonderful fiancé tie the knot in the company of so many lovely people.
I hope 2014 has been off to a great start, and I send you the best vibes and wishes for all that’s ahead.
Sincerely,
- アイカー
