My Japan

Hey folks,

I'm over here in Japan, catching up with friends, eating yummy Japanese food, and listening to the birds sing outside my teeny Asagaya apartment. Things have definitely changed around here in Tokyo since March 11th but, in most ways, it's pretty subtle. The lights are dimmer and most elevators aren't being used in order to conserve electricity. There are signs at the grocery store asking people to only buy what they need and not to go hog wild taking all of the bottles of water (those are my words, not theirs ;P ) It's good to see that, for the most part, life is going along as usual.. parents are taking their children to school, elections are being held, engagements are being celebrated (mine!)... Before I my trip, many friends, family members, and coworkers were telling me that I shouldn't go for fear of radiation. I've been keeping myself informed of the radiation levels here in Tokyo and they are not high enough to cause alarm. There have been some pretty steady aftershocks (that's an oxymoron if I ever heard one), but, within a few days I was pretty used to them. If my old crumbly apartment can handle it.. so can I! I'm writing this in the hopes that people back home won't freak out and turn their backs on Japan in her time of biggest need. I think it's important not to ignore the dangers here but also to keep living life as usual. Keep buying imports from Japan, keep coming here on vacation and for business... Although things are getting back to normal pretty quickly in Tokyo, I know there is still so much work to be done up north. There are so many people displaced. They've lost everything. I hope that people outside of Japan won't forget about her once their is bigger news on the television. I guess this has put a lot into perspective for me. I can see humanity in action and I hope to keep doing whatever I can to help others. That's all I guess...


Kate