Until next time

Today was the end of my parent's trip to Japan.  As I took them to the airport, I was deep in thought about their perceptions and what a crazy trip this has been. 

Honestly, my parents would never have come to Japan if it wasn't for me living here.  My family was the driving force behind their trip and the main draw.  Before they arrived, I asked them several times what they wanted to do and see.  After several inquiries, my dad finally said that he wanted to see shrines and temples and my stepmom said she wanted to go to Tokyo Disneyland.  Beyond that, they really didn't have any idea what was in the realm of possibility.

There was no way I could have them come visit for two weeks and not have anything planned.  I was an Assistant Activities Coordinator in college and later worked as a Senior Marketing Coordinator, which included a lot of event planning.  It isn't in my nature to not fill a schedule!  So I set forth to plan an "introduction to Japan" trip for my parents. 

We spend time doing the things I do on a daily basis, like shopping and taking my son to the park.  We toured around Tokyo to see major sites; took an overnight trip (using the Shinkansen) to Osaka; and even went to Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea.  Their trip was an intensive course!

While at the airport today, my stepmother thanked me.  She said she didn't even know where to start when planning this trip and she really appreciated all the effort I put in to make sure they had a good time.  My dad was also complimentary, saying it exceeded his wildest expectations. 

I am so relieved they had a memorable trip.  It is hard to have someone come and stay with you for two weeks and it felt like a lot of (self imposed) pressure for them to have a great time.  I want people to love Japan.  They don't have to love it as much as I do, but I want them to love it nonetheless.  It has held a special place in my heart for most of my life.  So, being responsible for a person's first immersive experience is a big deal to me.

After dropping them off at Haneda airport this evening, I am exhausted.  Not only did my parents have a busy time the last two weeks, I have also been working so hard at every turn.  Tonight I will sleep well knowing that they are leaving happy and have a new formed appreciation of Japan.

On the way home from the airport, my son and I saw Mt. Fuji surrounded by a beautiful sunset.  It seemed like such a fitting farewell.