I suppose it would be superfluous to say, I have not yet died. Excuse me, I have not died yet! 

Here is the thing: I have moved countries. I have been working on this for some years.
Now it is all done and I am in awe that a dream has transformed to reality. I’ve moved to Nippon! I have moved to the red circle in the field of white.

Lately, I have been focusing on making a home for myself. In a country where I am an illiterate; can’t even speak enough Japanese to get a point card at my local groceries––so horrified about all the points I am not accumulating!––no friends; still trying to memorize my zip-code; confused about the money; keep getting stared at every time I exit my apartment––and pretending not to notice being stared at! Working more days and hours than I used to; making less than I used to; and not having access to busses and trains like I am used to. Making home is of course a necessity! A refuge: somewhere familiar to cocoon in after the daily task of braving the unfamiliar! It’s been feeling raw, mate. And yet I’ve been really alive: like a sweet-tooth in a candy shop. ^_^

As challenging as it’s been, and as lonely as it gets sometimes, I can’t stop pinching myself: Am I really living a dream of mine? To God be the glory! The people here are very kind––my awesome supervisor is heaven-sent!––and good ol Mother has been sending me wonderful parcels: chili peppers! Even though the shipping rate is quite frightening. 

So the other day a cat appeared out of nowhere and watched me eat breakfast for like five minutes. We communed in silence and peace. I tried to outstare neko but it outstared me. Then slowly, and dare I say, softly, disappeared. 

Old mentor, pointer in the direction of Yamato, was that you? O_o 

Before I go and sleep in my net–– because there’s been all these curious insects that keep popping out of nowhere and making me jump out of my skin––here’s a little notice: I am starting a new observation category entitled: Is this Japanese? More on it soon.

Cheers! 

J. A. Odartey