Leaving America

I leave tomorrow for Europe! But before I left I thought I would write a bit about my time at home. This month has flown by. I felt pretty weird at first, adjusting to life in the States again. New money, new language all around me, new faces, new portion sizes! Not to mention different time zone and different weather. I missed Japan terribly the first couple weeks. I still miss Japan a lot but I know I am off to create a new adventure.

America has definately changed since I was here last. I feel more of a sense of fear and paranoia. There seems to be more censorship and certainly more influence by right-wing groups. I have to admit that there has been nothing that has made me feel like I was missing out on something great. And nothing that really screams "Come back and live in the US!!". Of course, that is not exactly true because my friends and family here are very very important. They are the only thing that makes me homesick or makes me want to stay here. I feel that America is traveling down and dark and dangerous path. I certainly don't want to say that I would never move back here but America is not making itself easy to like right now!

I have had a lot of fun while I have been home though. Hanging out with my parents and brother's family and various friends. Our new art museum is outstanding and there are a few new coffee shops around. I was able to see Jeremy several times and I talked to Damien on the computer phone almost every day.

I leave in a little over 24 hours and will be meeting Damien at Heathrow in London. I hope to be able to post any interesting experiences and thoughts as I am traveling. Most hostels have internet access these days. So, the next time I post I will be in the "Old World"!!!