Young, Wild(?) and Free

I’ve always wanted to write a blog, but I’d never gotten around to it until—well, now. Maybe that’s the first thing you should know about me. There is so much that interests me and for which I make plans but never actually do, because a) I’ve researched so much on the topic already, I feel like I’ve already done it, b) I get lazy or c) a mixture of both. In fact, I decided to study abroad because I wanted to change myself. I knew that moving to a new country would force me out of my comfort zone. I would have to make a real effort to do the most ordinary things–going shopping, following instructions, making friends, joining new activities—not only because of the difference in culture but more importantly, language. I knew I would keep procrastinating learning German unless I came here. So I did. And that’s why I’m here.

I suppose it’s about time I’ve actually introduced myself. Hi, my name is Aine and I’m from Tokyo, Japan. My full name is Aine Agnes Michaela Adachi (I’m not kidding—my middle names are not part of my legal name though, just ones I’ve adopted through church) and written in Japanese it looks like this: 足立　アグネス　ミカエラ　愛音.  愛音（Aine）, which is a combination of the kanji (漢字, Chinese characters) for love（愛）and music/sound（音）, is actually a pretty rare name; at least, I have yet to meet or even hear of someone with the same name. I do know, however, that there is a “love hotel” (if you don’t know what that is, just Google it) that has the exact same name as me in Tokyo. Anyway, my parents tell me that Aine means “lover of music” and “blessing from heaven”, two meanings that I find very different but am nevertheless grateful for, I guess. My last name, Adachi（足立）literally translates to “legs standing” but I interpret it to mean “independent” and “self-assured”. That at least “sounds” legitimate, right? 

I was raised in both the U.S. (Bethesda, MD!!) and Japan, which accounts for my American accent and interest in “identity”—identity politics, identity formation, you name it. Although America will always have a place in my heart, I’m proud to call Tokyo home. Of course I miss my family, friends and the food (the three F’s), but also the weirder things: randomly discovering small jin-jyas（神社、Japanese shrines) on walks, saying “otsu-kare” (roughly translated to “good work” or “thanks for you hard work”) after every activity and efficient train boarding (lining up in front of the train and going all the way inside, not stopping near the doors). Still, most days I don’t miss Japan at all because I feel so free here. It’s a wonderful feeling, enhanced by the beautiful nature in the city and beyond. I went hiking in Garmisch-Partenkirchen last month and fell in love with the Alps. I’m even thinking of staying at a Bavarian horse farm for three weeks in March!