How are you? Since the last time I wrote, I took the bullet train again and went into Tokyo. What a fun city! I don’t remember if I saw a pushpin on Tokyo on your travel board back at home, but if you haven’t been, this city is a must.
I woke up early to go see Tsukiji market. They only allow 120 people into the tuna auction so I made sure to get there extra early. It was exhilarating to see how quickly the auction sped by. Everyone was speaking so fast I didn’t understand a word. After the auction, I walked into a random stall and had the most amazing sushi. Even though I eat fish almost daily in my village, the fish right at the market is even better. I wonder how this compares to your meal at Masa?
I wrote to Jake once when I first got here. Actually, I write him daily, but end up tearing up every letter. I did mail the first one. Pathetic, huh? I’m such a chicken. Maybe this is why I’m not successful with relationships.
Hope school is going well. You only have a few months left.
See ya.
Emily
March 5
Dear Max,
Sorry it’s been awhile since I last wrote. Many more students from my school requested to be tutored so I’ve been busy making extra money. I guess it’s a good thing.
Last weekend, I got to go on a rice picking tour. Our village gets all these Western tourists who come for a day and want to pay money to go rice picking. It’s backbreaking work! I couldn’t function the next day.
How is school? I assume your semester ends in a couple of months? I’m sure you and Peter are doing fine. How hard can it be?
I miss you and all our friends. As peaceful as this village is, I don’t know if I’ve found my peace yet. I was hoping to mend my broken heart here, but the pain doesn’t seem to want to go away. Absence does make the heart grow fonder. Sorry for babbling. I’m sure you aren’t thrilled with hearing your ex-girlfriend cry about her ex-boyfriend.
Have you been dating at all? You need to get back out there. You can be pretty irresistible when you want to be. Please tell Peter I said hello. I will write to him soon.
I miss you.
Emily
March 24
Hi, Peter!
How are things in your life? As you know, I’m doing well in Japan. I got to go to Osaka this past weekend to watch a baseball game. A few friends of mine here got tickets to watch the Orix Buffaloes vs. the Hanshin Tigers at the Osaka Dome. It was such a cool stadium.
These fans here are crazy. Did you know that no one gets up to do anything when their home team is up to bat? They don’t use the bathroom. The concession lines are empty. It’s unbelievable. Every player has his own song that the fans sing during the game. I don’t think that we in LA get this excited for anything.
I think this was the best day in Japan thus far. Well, maybe it’s right behind visiting and eating at the Tsukiji market. You know I have a weakness for sushi. I’m going to try to visit other stadiums before I get back to the States for Sarah’s wedding.
I hope you and Max aren’t too stressed out with school. I miss you both. Bye.
Emily
April 3
Dear Max,
I can’t believe I’ve been here two months already. Time goes so fast. I’ve picked up quite a bit of Japanese during my stay here. Ryu and Yuki have taught me as much as I’ve taught them.
I really enjoy teaching here in the village. I’m considering staying here another year. When I come back to the States for Sarah and Charlie’s wedding, I’m going to make arrangements to come live here at least another year.
I know you’re thinking that I’m hiding from my life in LA. I can’t say that you’re wrong in your thinking. I like it here and it’s easier for me not to think about Jake when I know that he’s not working a mile from my home.
Sorry it’s so short today. Will write again.
Emily
April 12
Dear Nick,
How’s school? You’re probably studying hard, dying to graduate. I’m sending you pictures of the coolest place I found in Tokyo. Did you know that there is a section of Tokyo that sells all things food, restaurant, and kitchen supply? It’s called Kappabashi in the Asakusa district.
I guess it’s technically a restaurant wholesale district. The tour books say that it’s only a half mile stretch but I spent an entire day here. There are stores that sell only plastic food models. Some stores sell all knives. Some random stores specialize in noren—the curtains that hang outside a door to signal that you’re open.
There are little food stalls too, but I didn’t eat here. I stopped at a street vendor who sold a variety of donburis. When I went into a general restaurant supply store, I wanted to buy everything. Since I’m thinking of staying here another year, I didn’t think it would be wise to collect so much luggage.
I wish you could have been here with me. We would’ve had a blast. Hope all is well with you. Will write again.
Emily
April 19
Dear Jane,