Hello again!
Yes, I know I promised to fill in the missing years from this blog, but I really can't see it happening. Which is a massive shame. Maybe one day...
I'm creating a photobook for Rhiannon detailing her years in Japan as I think it will be a wonderful keepsake for her. The early parts of this blog are proving to be invaluable to my memories, stirring feelings of nostalgia and homesickness. Isn't it strange that a place that isn't my native country can cause homesickness?
We all miss Japan dreadfully. It's just not the same here in any respect at all. Rhiannon is continuing to keep her Japanese language alive with private lessons in the hope she can return there at some point in the future.
We've all been very busy - you can see details here on my Berlinfusion blog.
Everybody's doing well: Rhiannon's started Middle School and is really enjoying it. The system is extremely different from the previous schools but I think it suits her very well.
Kita the dog loves the huge garden we have here and gets a lot of attention while we're out as she's a rare breed outside of Japan.
Raymi the cat is rarely seen. He no longer has massive fights as there are no feral 'ninja cats' here, but he comes back to eat so I know he's still alive! I think he just likes the countrified area we're living in.
I'm studying graphic design - it's never too late to have a career change! It's hard work, but enjoyable.
I've also very recently set up a new venture which may interest any expat parents out there - it's a website called 'Your Expat Child' - and aims to provide advice and resources to parents moving overseas, including those already 'out there' who have become parents.
It would be great to see you on Facebook, and if you could share the website details with people you know who may be interested, I'd be very grateful.
Hopefully, I'll find time to visit Japanory more as my own Expat Child grows more independent by the day, and my own projects calm down.
Japan, I miss you!