Yes, that’s right; I’m coming home. And I’m so excited about it 
I thought long and hard about the decision to return home to Perth, and after weighing up all my options, this was the best time for me to return. My working-holiday visa expires on June 4th, and given there are several events back in Perth I’d rather not miss (there’ve been too many missed already!), I decided not to renew it. My flight has been booked, and I will arrive back in Perth on May 21st. Exactly two weeks short of 6 months living here.
Rich has set up a convenient counter that you can use to keep track, if you so desire 
I came to Japan for many reasons; I had goals I set out to achieve, and I can proudly say that I’ve achieved them all. It was something I’d been wanting to do for many years, and with the support and encouragement of my friends and family, I was able to do that. The biggest support coming from my amazing Rich; he’s been my rock this entire trip. That voice of encouragement and reason when I needed it most. And all I did was leave him behind in Perth.
Rich, thank you for letting me live my dream <3
I’ve had the most amazing time in Japan. It’s so different from Perth on many levels, and I really only scraped the surface. And through my teaching, I’ve been given an insight into how these people live. It’s such a wonderful balance of old and new, tradition and technology, honour, and respect. They have a sense of goodness and community that’s all too often lacking from people in Western societies. It’s an endearing innocence, and refreshing to see.
I’ve also had the chance to explore a wonderful country, and improve my Japanese. It’s still not awesome, but it’s much better than it was when I left 
I’ve also made some wonderful friends, and learned a lot about myself; that’s the kind of experience money can’t buy.
So my time here has come to an end. For now. I’m heading back to Perth, to my friends, family, and loved ones. And on to more adventures! One the reasons I came here was to get some experience teaching, and my plan is to continue with that. I will enrol back into university to complete a Graduate Diploma of Education, which will give me the qualifications to become a primary school teacher. A career I’ve been contemplating for many years.
I must say, that if you’ve ever wanted to do anything as crazy as moving to Japan, my advice to you is this: do it. Seriously. Stop making excuses, and just do it. Life won’t wait for you. Take those risks and chances whenever they’re presented to you. I have no regrets about coming here, and probably wish I’d done it sooner. I feel utterly fortunate that I was able to achieve such a big dream.
And I know it was worth it because I’m just as excited about the rest of my life, as I was about my Japanese adventure.
You did it weezy! Congrats on living your dream and following your heart. I’m so proud of you my darling friend. Can’t wait to meet this absolutely magic man of yours.
Lots of Lov’n xxxxxxx
Thanks, Gen! You’re a huge inspiration to me
Looking forward to catching up with you and Leo whenever we can.
xox
well said mate !! your livin your dreams and thats special. good luck at school stranger i honestly think u got the guts 2 do great things
just sayin :p
Thanks Jay!
What sane man would stand in the way of a beautiful woman like you going to live her dream.
I’d have waited way longer if you needed it. You’re worth every moment!
V
Coming home to you is the best feeling ever.
C
The city of Perth and Australia as a whole will be very pleased upon your return. It’s so great to hear that you did all that you set out to do and get to return triumphant
Enjoy your last few weeks and looking forward to hearing more about life back in Perth soon.
Thanks, Ali xx
You just made me cry, and then Rich made me cry more, hehe. (and you know, then I had to throw up
)
Awesome. I’m so glad you achieved your goals and had this amazing adventure, and will obviously continue doing that.
And I’d love to share this quote from Mark Twain:
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did so. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
Perfect quote, Simone! Was just saying to Rich I feel like I can do anything now.
And so glad you’re still having wonderful adventures too – go us
xx
What wonderful news! I’m so happy for you and for Rich. It’s amazing what you have achieved together. Looking forward to seeing you again! xx
Thanks so much Vicki! Can’t wait to get home
Been following you on twitter I think through @suewaters enjoyed reading your blogs. Well done on challenge, your insight into Japan has helped me for my brief stopover (4 nights) on the way to USA.
Good luck with teaching, I’m a 4th year undergrad at Curtin doing Bachelor of Education (Primary), a tough career from what I can gauge but extremely rewarding.
All the best and have a safe trip home!
Matt
Ah, thanks for the comment!
I’ll (hopefully) be doing the Grad Dip Ed at ECU where I did my Business Degree. The one-year full-time course has school placement for two days per week for the whole school year. I like the idea of having that continuous exposure to a class, and being able to watch their progress and development.
How’s your course going?
It’s moving and motivational at the same time to see someone achieve something and feel accomplished. Really got me thinking about things myself.
Hoping @Moist and I can meet you properly soon when you’ve settled back here
Congrats to you and safe journey home!
Thanks heaps Nezz! Glad it got you thinking about stuff! Look forward to meeting you when I get back
just.
fucking.
awesome.
well done mate. I jumped off a cliff of my own this year exhileratingly scarey!
I think Perth will be glad to cu back!
Cheers, Sue! Life was never meant to be easy, so you’ve got to take those risks
I didn’t think it had been quite a year… Glad you were able to follow your dream and had fun doing it.
I particularly like your second last paragraph – “Life won’t wait for you”, etc. Because of the employment situation in Sydney I (well, me and mrsmoldor, two girls, 3 dogs and La Puss) are thinking of a sea-change – either Perth or Adelaide. I’ve been putting off making any firm decision……
Not now though.. At 51.. well, let’s just say that reading this has given me much to think about and act upon.
Thanks Lulu… hope to see you in Perth sometime.
Jon
Thanks, Jon. I was aiming for somewhere in between 6-12 months, or whenever I’d felt like I’d had the experience I wanted.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do. It will always be the right choice!
Im so glad you are happy about your decision. I know no-one else can make a decision for you, but I must admit, as someone who has considered coming home compared to staying put, because I dont want it to seem like Ive whimped out, its nice to see someone else going home before their original date, and being happy with it.
So, lets just say, I hope to meet you back in Perth at some point!
Thanks, Erinna! I hope you’re having just as much fun on your adventure, as I did on mine! Look forward to meeting you when you get back
I am so happy for you Lu! What a wonderful wonderful experience you have been brave enough to have! Thank you for sharing it with us through your tweets, pics and words … and I am so so happy for you to be coming home to your man <3 … Congratulations on accomplishing a dream, Lu. xo
Thank you! <3
I’m in awe of your time in Japan. I’d never have the courage to be away from all that is familiar to me for so long. And over Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter and your birthday!!! You’re amazing
Looking forward to seeing you back in Perth. I’ll be making a trip over on the weekend of the 4th June. Hope to see you then. And thanks for sharing your adventure with us. xxx
I’m so very proud of what you accomplished, the dream you followed and the adventures you had. Bonus points to Rich for helping and supporting your endeavour. (00,010,04,07,20!)
I can’t wait to cuddle you when you arrive home. <3