Back to reality, or is it surreality?

So once again I’m back in the land of pachinko parlours, extreme polyphonic ring tones, short people (I mistook a man pushing in front of me for an 8 yr old boy!) and taxis with self-opening doors. The last three weeks has been a complete whirlwind from which I’m just now trying to catch my breath: renewing acquaintances, deepening friendships, making new friends, visiting family, stocking up on necessities und luxuries, trying madly to spend time with everyone I care for,and failing, being part of one of the most beautiful weddings I’ve ever been to, having cuddles with Ophelia. Time so jam-packed with things my brain hardly knows where to start to process it all. Leaving is always difficult for me (hence the original vow not to return until it was for good) and it is even more difficult when leaving blossoming friendships and relationships which are still in soft crumbly soil and have not had time to settle in and solidify.
Now starts the task of unpacking – always an exciting yet sad thing to do at the end of every trip. Then the e-mailing; replies to those that have accrued, thanks to those who did funky things for me and apologies to those who I was not able to catch up with.
But before I go, a huge, huge, HUGE thank-you to kitling, nigelw and sly_girl for hosting my suitcase, and on occasion, me. My suitcase had a lovely relaxing holiday, chilling with MalMal, Skitch and Jumbles and did enjoy the odd roll which was taken in her 😉 You guys were fabulous and I really appreciated having somewhere to go where I could dip my toes into everyday householdy chats’n’things and take a break from ‘catch-up’ mode. Also, thanks for your patience with the hideously early morning wake-up yesterday, preceded by me packing well into the wee hours. And of course to kitling for driving me to the airport. You guys ROCK!

Also, sending wishes of blue skies and sunshine for Benno and Claire’s wedding today. Have a wonderful day guys – will be thinking of you both today *hugs*

now, the unpacking.

NB. Oh and I did get a lovely person serving me at the passport office and so now have a shiny new, non-moldy passport. Even better, absolutely no problems getting back into Japan, despite visa being in the now cancelled passport. Yay for beaurocracy going smoothly.