One of the challenges of being an expat or OFW is homesickness. You have to keep yourself busy so as not to succumb to it. Being away with your family is no joke. Inside your room, you can only hear the sound of air condition and/or exhaust. Once you listen to music, expect another post-it note on your door. Outside, you are swallowed by words and symbols that you can barely understand. Those things will test your sanity.
smashing racket sounds
a lump-in-the-throat free game
feels home once again
Since it's officially summer here in a Japan, and there's no way to beat it, a group of expats decided to be a part of that heat. A badminton tournament to celebrate the summer, to erase homesickness, to enjoy camaraderie. Most importantly to feel that we closer to home, though the fact that we are thousands of miles away.
Every Saturday, for two months, we occupy the gymasium's two badminton courts and playfully out duel the opposing teams. It's not about winning actually. It's all about having fun and releasing all work-related stresses, as well as loneliness.
The games will end just few days before the leaves turn red and orange. During that season change, hopefully, another activity will be organized. Simple things like these will keep us sane, and yes, we are here not only to work but also to appreciate life in another country.
/totomai
2012/07/29
Your post and haiku make sense....and worded beautifully....I think you have a healthy mind-set, and, hopefully a healthy body to play badminton!
ReplyDeletewhat's OFW?
Hi Joanne, OFW stands for overseas foreign workers. Thanks again!
Deletenice emotions here!
ReplyDeleteArigatou Sandra!
Deletewe all need something to make us feel part of the world..you have expressed that beautifully..your words are great..and your photography exceptional..Jae
ReplyDeleteAw thanks Jae for the kind words. Being a foreigner sometimes is not easy. You have to do your part to make it easy.
DeleteEnjoy your badminton... expressive haiku :)
ReplyDeleteWe will :-)
Deletei love the composition in your photo, JOhn. like what jaerose said, your words are great and your photography are exceptional. i am glad for you that you finding ways to appreciate life in another country.
ReplyDeleteMs Beth, I have to. Or else I jump off the train. haha. Thanks again :-)
DeleteWonderful photo. Having been a stranger in many strange lands, I can also relate to your feelings.
ReplyDeleteThanks GS. Being a part of a new culture is pretty challenging too
DeleteI hope that by writing this your homesick lump has disappeared.
ReplyDeletewith my fellow friends around, it sure does eliminate homesickness.
DeleteWonderfully written. I hope all the homesickness goes away. Writing is also theraputic in the process.
ReplyDeleteHi TWG, each smash helps homesickness go away. And yes, I agree, writing helps a lot as well
DeleteHopefully when your stay in Japan is over you will remember not the homesickness but the different culture and of course the camaraderie of the badminton and live on the memories with satisfaction.
ReplyDeleteI will definitely remember everything here in Japan :-)
DeleteAgh! Love badmington! Haven't played for years! And wow, great shot! :)
ReplyDeletetime to pick up that racket then Hannah :-)
DeleteI can't imagine myself living in Japan with all those hieroglyphics that i will encounter everyday. Anyway, matapang ka kasi at least you ventured into a foreign lang na hindi mo sila basta basta maiinitindihan. Cebu nga lang na 9mos ko, hindi ko kinaya, pano pa kaya ang mga Hapon. hehehe
ReplyDeletenakaya ko nga sa thailand na di ko din maintidihan, akala mo lang di mo kaya pero kaya mo yan...
DeleteI'm a frustrated badminton player. Love your photo, btw! ;)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.dekaphobe.com/
thanks mich! i'm not good in badminton, just enjoying it ;-)
DeleteThat was really good- and again I love your "back stories" explaining why you wrote what you did. I can imagine homesickness is so hard- hang in there and keep getting involved; physically and emotionally- it sure sounds like you do! Take care~~~
ReplyDeleteThanks Patti :-) Yeah, it's a bit hard but I can manage it now. By getting drunk everyday haha. Just kidding of course
DeleteLove the connection of the photo to the haiku and to your blog post! :) Nakakamiss narin mag badminton.. :)
ReplyDeletelaro na :-) ako napipilitan dito pero nag eenjoy na lately lol
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