I'm homesick already...

Hi all!

I just returned to Chicago a few days ago and I'm homesick already! Unlike past trips back to Indonesia, this time, I found myself not really looking forward to coming back to Chicago. I mean, I still like this place I've lived in for the last 8 years, but somehow, I don't feel as satisfied with being here the way I used to. My cousin said that I've been away from home for too long and that he felt the same way after having been in the States for close to a decade, which is the stage I'm at right now.

I also notice that I've been enjoying my homecomings more and more in recent years. Maybe it's the shedding of youth angst with age; or maybe it's the realization that I actually really like my family (despite them driving me crazy half the time); or maybe it's the recent surge in biotech opportunities in Asia, I don't know; but it has gradually dawned on me that my future is in Asia, near my family and friends, madness and all.

Talk about Asia, I spent an awesome week in Tokyo, Japan, with my parents and sis. I was super excited about it because I hadn't been there in about at least 10 years! My sister was just there earlier this summer and I thought it would be really cool to experience Japan as an adult. I'll get back to you about the many awesome places in Tokyo we went to and the food (of course!) that we enjoyed. For now, enjoy this little preview of the Land of the Rising Sun!

A time course of supposedly the most crowded crossing in Shibuya, Japan, at a not-so-crowded time. Blink at you might just get trampled!


Japan's obsession with cutesy stuff is apparent even on signs that warn people of getting their hands jammed in the subway doors!


With the statue of Hachiko, Japan's most loyal dog, outside Shibuya station.


Don't worry, I didn't drink all this!


Daydreams of Tokyo...


Tokyo Station madness!


Blending of new and old Japan.


The stardard fixture in every Tokyo street corner.


Only in good ole Japan, my friends! A square watermelon and a musical bidet!