It has been 9 months since landing on Japanese soil. Before I came here, I said that I will finally find out if the slogan "there's no place like home" or there's no place like the USA" is true. I concur with both statements. It always takes leaving home to appreciate what you have. The grass is not always greener. It reminds me of when I left Nebraska and Ohio. When living in both places, for a period of time, I was ready to move on to bigger and better things. Moving to Ohio soon gave me an appreciation for my home state, the Midwestern, down to earth upbringing that I had. Once I moved to Cleveland, I did embrace the city more than others and appreciated the diversity, culture and friends that the city offered. I think my attitude and approach stemmed from the things that Nebraska lacked, hence, why I left.
Now that I'm living in Japan, I do miss the comforts of home. I live in an environment that offers two very different cultures; the Japanese and the military. Because these environments are so different from what I am used to, I miss home even more and get so excited when I see anything that reminds me of the USA.
The military culture is great to have access to because the bases are like mini U.S. cities. They offer the common comforts of home; the commissary (an American grocery store), chain restaurants (Chili's, Macaroni Grill, Subway, Burger King, Popeyes, Dunkin Donuts and Pizza Hut)and the BX (American Dept. Store). For those who don't fancy the Japanese food or clothing, the bases are a life saver. Many of the clothing stores don't fit average Americans and the food is a bit different from what we are used to. Although I love Asian food, I don't love it everyday so thank goodness for the commissary.
Off base, the Japanese have acquired some made in the USA companies. The fast food restaurants are ones you can't get on base. There is McDonald's, KFC, Baskin Robbins and Shakey's Pizza.
I seem to get most excited when I see American made cars. It just reminds me of home because the cars here are so different. I have seen Cadillac cars and SUVs, P.T. Cruisers, Chrysler 300s and Mustangs. Who knew, me, a loyal Toyota driving consumer would be so excited about made in the USA cars.
Other reminders of home are in my neighborhood. There is one Shell gas station down the road and I live across the street from a Coco Cola warehouse. I'm looking forward to a visit back home soon. The opportunity to put my feet on US soil is something I'm excited about. In the meantime, I will enjoy the little reminders of home here in Japan.
