Wherever you may be

by Margarita Delgado (Mexico)

I didn't expect to find Japan

I have little sense of direction. That’s why I rely on my GPS. But, even though I always bring my cellphone with me because of this. Somehow I end up in the wrong place most of the time. Sometimes it’s good, or that’s what I tell me to make myself feel better. I got lost at Shinjuku Station on my first day in Tokyo. There were so many exits, and I was paralyzed at the sight of too many people walking around, and because my GPS was telling me I was out of the station already. Asking for directions, I made it and managed to get out. When I returned, I needed to take the Yamanote Line. I had to take the clockwise train, but I took the counter-clockwise. So, instead of only six stops, I had to wait for twenty-three. I decided to enjoy the ride, watching Tokyo cityscapes and talking with an old man who laughed with my story. Once I was at the correct stop, he amiably told me to take care and don’t get lost too much. I thanked him, wishing that as well. Because of my luck, I decided to walk without direction at first. During the first two weeks, I was amazed by the places I found at the moment. When it was time to return, I used my GPS. I was even proud of myself since I was getting better at the moment of taking a subway. But that Thursday 13th was different. I had decided to walk straight that day. I tried the coffee jelly and meronpan for the first time. I met travelers from Colombia and after talking for a while we decided to eat together. After eating, we took separate ways. I was thankful for having the chance of meeting them, sharing a meal with them reminded me of my family. Later, I found a beautiful park. I decided to enter, but when I wanted to leave, I couldn’t find the way back. I looked at my cellphone and whined when it didn’t turn on. It had run out of battery. I tried to return, but I didn’t remember the route. I was so focused looking at all the green that was around me, enjoying the warmth of the summer, and the sound of the cicadas and the creek. I turned around, hoping to see someone or something familiar at least. All I could see were trees. I looked at the sky. It was turning orange, with a bit of purple. Sunset was beautiful, but also a reminder that night was near, and that I was lost once again. I decided to keep walking, thinking about my stay. This was the first time I traveled for my own. Why did I choose Japan? I didn’t know. It was because it was far away? Possibly. As much as I was enjoying my independence, I was afraid. I cried. I didn’t want to at first, but I couldn’t help it. Not only because I was lost, but also because I was feeling lonesome. I was liking my life in Tokyo, but I missed my family and friends too. Then I remembered my mama’s words that we are no completely alone, no matter where we are. I had myself. I decided to be brave, and keep learning. I felt better after crying. Perhaps I needed to get lost to find myself. After a while, I listened to the car's noises and therefore I found the exit. I ended up locating the main street I was walking before. I was so happy because I could remember how to return home from that point. I looked at the sky again. That time letting it embraced me, I was on the correct path.