Revelations in Starbucks

As I was sitting in Starbucks waiting for the supreme-brain-team to arrive for the quiz night, I sat back in my chair, slurping my matcha frappuccino (nama kurimu nashini) and watched the world around me.

The setting and atmosphere was so familiar and comfortable...but not. The Japanese chatter floated in the air and only some words were processed by my brain. I watched the suits walk in with their shiny, black, slicked back hair and pinstripes, the girls with their big hair, matching branded handbags and killer heels, the odd foreigner or two with a backpack or book. It was cosy, warm and smelt like fresh caffeine in a sturdy, takeaway cup.

Then panic set in. In about 3 months time I would be doing the same thing - sitting in a cafe, but in a different country, Australia. The countdown is beginning to freak me out. Although I do look forward to going home, I also don't want to leave. In about 3 months time, this will all be but a memory wanting to be alive again.

"Don't think of it as only 3 months left to go, but as you've still got 3 months here." Wise words from Alison.

So little time. Too short. How could 2 years pass by so quickly? I flipped through my diary and saw my remaining days left in Japan. It's like I'm about to wake up from an amazing dream and have to start facing reality.

Wake up and smell the coffee.