2018年12月21日金曜日 - 
Matt ：Living Abroad
Hi!
I am writing
to you from Osaka, Japan, but I am writing in English, not Japanese. Why is
that? That is because I came here recently from California, and I can't speak
or write in Japanese (yet). Learning a language is only one part of moving to
another country, of course, and I wanted to take a few minutes and give you a
couple of my thoughts and ideas about living abroad. These thoughts are not
going to be very organized, but that's
perfect for a blog, right?
Moving to
Japan was not my first experience leaving America to live somewhere else, so I
am fortunate enough to have had a chance to learn what it is like and how it
feels. I also spent a year in Mexico teaching English, and two years in the Netherlands, where I was a student. Above all, I can think of two words to describe
all of these experiences: new and different. I personally like new and
different experiences, so these words don't scare me. Of course, some people
seem to hate these words, so can or should they live abroad? I say yes! The
world is full of a wide variety of amazing places and people, and getting to
know them gives you a richer life. I don't like everything where I go, and I
sometimes dislike some local foods, but each time I try something new, I grow
as a person. I become more tolerant of
all this world possesses. Basically, I
think living abroad forces you to embrace
the newness that takes over your life.
I also would
like to point out the huge difference between visiting another country and
living in another country. When you visit a new country, you get to see and
feel some of its culture, but when you live in a new country, you have the
chance to become a part of its culture. This opportunity is exciting, and gives
you a sense of responsibility and opportunity that a vacation cannot. So far in
Japan, I have tried lots of delicious food, seen many beautiful places, and
have made a few new friends. I've learned how to do basic things like pay
bills, buy a bike, open a bank account, etc. I've learned how much I appreciate
the patience and hospitality of the
Japanese people, and I've learned to expect surprises every day. I love being
in Osaka so far, and I am looking forward to a Japanese future that will shape
me in large ways, and that I will shape in small ways.
Matt
organized：まとまっていない
Netherlands：オランダ
Above
all：なにより
tolerant：我慢強い
possesses：有する
embrace：取り入れる
So far：ここまで
patience：忍耐
shape：形成する