It seems I've become an expert in dealing with jet lag! The key seems to be to skip a nights sleep somewhere along the way.On my way back to England I caught the nightbus to Narita airport and only got 2 hours sleep. I then only managed to get in another hour on the flight due to the cracking movie choices, so by the time I reached Heathrow I was exhausted. I then preceeded to sleep all the way up to Stoke and all night long. I awoke the next morning feeling a little hazy, but okay. Although I had a lazy first couple of days with the fam, my sleeping patterns were normal (UK-stylee). Hurrah!
When I returned to Japan I also skipped a nights sleep due to the seriously talkative (read 'annoying') bloke who sat next to me on the plane. When I reached my little house I had a shower and went straight to bed. The last thing I remember hearing before my head hit the pillow was the 5 o'clock bells. I then awoke at 11 o'clock the next morning. 18 hours sleep! A new record! Since then it's been back to school and Japan sleeping patterns again. As easy as that!
The other thing to note about going home is the really horrible, homesick feeling when you are coming back. It's really weird coz I don't generally get homesick, but 2 weeks at home just wasn't enough, and I also really liked the fact that I could read and understand everything! I had forgotten what it was like not to have to struggle with a language barrier everyday! I also miss living with other people. I like my own space, don't get me wrong, but just having other people tootling around the house is nice.
So yeah, the thought of coming back to my empty house and then not seeing any of my friends for a week coz we would all be at work was not a welcoming thought. Especially when I discovered that I'd forgotten all my Japanese and was breaking out into a cold sweat just buying a train ticket! (Doh!) But, to my delight, B text me and said he would pick me up from the station. I can't tell you how much I appreciated this! Not only because my bags weighed an absolute tonne, but also because a big smile and a hug on my return was just the ticket!
The next day, rather then moping around feeling tired and lonely, I had lunch with B and Pete and then in the afternoon my neighbours came round to say hello and we all went for a walk in the sunshine to see the cows. This was just the BEST weekend I could have wished for on my return -relaxing, with lots of friendly faces. No more homesickness for me!
So, now I know how it feels to come back after a trip home I will definately make sure I'm around for anyone else doing the same. Pick-ups from the station and lunch the following day are all on the agenda. And anyone who reads this can hold me to that!
Actually, I'm gonna amend that - anyone in Fukushima who reads this can hold me to that!
