The end is nearly here, month 11 out of 12 is in the books, and a busy month it’s been, and like all good stories, its ending right where it started. That’s right, I’m writing this from back at Issei’s place, where I will be staying for the remainder of the trip (except for the next week, where I will be travelling). I originally planned on only staying a couple weeks at the end here, but in order to get my apartment deposit and extra rent back (only stayed 10 months out of 12 paid), I need to wait up to 30 days to process, so I figured it would go smoother if I was in the country, in case anything goes wrong.

That being said, it was more of a busy month than a fun exciting month. Upon review of my photos for this month, nearly all of them were pictures of stuff I was trying to sell or give away. It felt sad getting rid of all of that stuff I bought only 10 months ago, and even more sad and nostalgic seeing the apartment empty again, but such is life.

The most frustrating part of the month was trying to get rid of all my stuff (besides even determining what I can bring back). There were 2 facebook groups I found, one for giving away items for free in Osaka, and one for selling items. In both cases, I dealt with some of the most frustrating people I’ve had the chance to run into. Nearly everyone was non-Japanese, as facebook isn’t popular in Japan, but there were still a ton of interested people. However, the amount of people who agreed to buy things, and then ghost me, or ask me if I can deliver after the first line in my post being ‘pick up only’, or ask if I’m selling my computer when I put my monitors up for sale, or if I’m selling my TV (which I never posted anything about)… argh! Supremely frustrating, especially those people who agreed to pick stuff up and then never show. Why do people think that is okay?! I hope I never have to do that again.

Beyond getting rid of stuff I can’t take back, I ended up buying an additional 2 suitcases (total 4) to take things home with me. One was entirely for taking my PC back, which I figure is safer, faster, and not too much more expensive than shipping it back. It’s still going to be pretty expensive (extra luggage fees, plus the cost of the suitcases themselves), but it’s a better deal than selling the computer and re-buying one once I return. I’m sure it will be a big pain getting them to/from the airports though.

The month was largely a reversal of September (month 2) when I first moved in. Lots of phone calls and coordination for cancelling utilities, internet, phone, apartment lease, returning rented appliances, and so on. I’m not sure that my Japanese is actually any better, but at least my confidence has increased to the point where I was comfortable phoning up these companies to hash out the details.

I’m not gone yet, either, and I’m sure I will see everyone again (before I leave, and the next time I’m back), but it was also a month of goodbyes, which was kind of sad. I had my last Japanese lesson from my tutor Kuri-sensei, and I also had a going away party from my neighborhood alternative religion/well meaning but meddling people group (ask me about it sometime, I’m afraid to post about them or their agents will hunt me down… kidding, probably).

The most exciting part of the last month was my going away part from Beppinsan, the standing bar that I frequented. I had a blast there over the last year, and on July 1st, I had a going away party / Canada day celebration. I had a great time and was bought drinks until I worked my way through almost the entire drinks menu, including all flavors of chu-hai. I got a wonderful going away card which everyone had written messages in for me, and a nice framed photo. I’m really sad to be leaving everyone, since I’ve made so many friends, but I will be back again some day, it’s one more thing to look forward to for my next trip.

Speaking of Beppinsan, they also took me fishing with them, to a spot where they dump fish into a netted area and you pay to go catch them. You are practically guaranteed to catch some fish. One of the guys caught 8 or so. So of course, I ended up catching none. That was embarrassing, but you know, I just felt sorry for the fish, since they had already been caught once before. Or maybe I just suck at fishing! Who can know?!

Anyways, this month should be a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to my 1 week trip to Sapporo, starting tomorrow, and some summer festivals towards the end of the month. Look forward to a Sapporo post after I get back. I’m planning on winging it, and have no concrete plans besides a place to stay and a travel guidebook I bought. Wish me luck.