3 Countries in a Year

In less than a year I moved countries twice. May 2011, I return to my homeland after spending 4 wonderfully hard years in Tokyo, Japan. After trying to make a living in Solomon Islands, I had to admit that we failed because the economy is too young to support any career. Despite my Husbands Educational background and international experience he was of no use in the Islands. I manage to score a Job in the newest and best hotels in Honiara but that was another dead end.

Going back home was great because we were able to relax and enjoy the tranquility and serenity the beautiful islands has to offer. Spending time with the family and my husband learning another new language to his string of spoken languages. But other than that it was career suicide.

Our Capital was running low, we were spending a minimum of SBD3000 per week. And all that time thinking how did the low income earners survive. Or even the jobless youths. My Dad holds a very good position in the tourism industry and supporting 2 kids and be able to save money is not always easy. My Dad is not really a good example because hes always been very discipline with money. Not stingy or cheap just that he is a Manager/Admin/Accountant by profession, if that would help to explain.

Anyway, in less than a year we spent around SBD80,000, that's just food expenses since we were living with my parents rent free. By the time my Husband left we were down to almost a few Japanese yen and that should be reserved to help us in Geneva.

He left in January then 6 weeks later I followed suit. Today its been 3 weeks since I`am here in Switzerland and not a day goes by that I don't miss Japan. Ive fallen in love with that country, the culture, the social scene and the language.

Last night my Husband and I went to a little gathering hosted by his friend to welcome their new born baby. I'm sure my husband was disappointed that I made it clear to people who ask me to compare Japan and Geneva, that I would Pick Tokyo over any city any day. Its not that I have anything against Geneva or Switzerland in general. Its like your first love, and Tokyo is my first love.

I matured there, found love, found God, discover and experiment with fashion, recreate myself there, found my confidence and Voice, got my heart broken and the list goes on..... Its where I discover my strengths and weaknesses as a woman.

Then last night I met this part Japanese part Swiss lady and we started talking about Japan. She hails from Kagoshima, the southern part of Japan. She talks of spending her summers there and despite not speaking the language. She too discover herself there. Which is different because her father is Japanese but still I was able to relate to that. Tokyo allows you to express yourself in your own way and time.

Now I'm taking intensive french, actively job hunting and trying to find my own little spot here in Geneva. My Dad always reminds me how much he admires my ability to quickly adjust to any given situation and environment. And this year will be one of those years where I have to take heed and just let myself be convinced that this could be my second Tokyo.