Sayonara Nihon!

My time in Japan is just about up. A quick reunion with JSPS/NSF students tomorrow, then a flight home the next day. Living in Japan this summer has been productive, surprising, rewarding, and challenging. I learned about things I didn't even know I didn't know about. That is one of the profound aspects of living in another culture. At least it was for me. Putting this blog together has also been lots of fun. I appreciate that you read it.

Here are last minute miscellaneous thoughts.

I rode the subway very often while in Nagoya. This sign (sorry about the glare, I know is hard to see) indicates the seating available for persons who might need it most. "Priority Seats". Fine so far. Starting from the left of this sign, I identify; old person, pregnant woman, person with a baby, injured person, but the fifth one? Crying person with a broken heart? This has perplexed me for months.Here is the giant green Buddha near Nagoya University. I already posted pictures of it when I first got to Nagoya, but wow. I think it deserves more attention. It is gigantic! If you are ever in Nagoya, it is worth seeing.Here I am (again) next to the also giant Buddha hand that is next to the larger statue.And finally, this sign is posted near the cash register of the cafe where I ordered the green tea/red bean/rice ball drink and the squid sandwich that I mention in a previous post. I think that Natural Selection should have the final word in this blog. It usually does in life.