Today I began to wonder what others thought of me. Picture the only foreigner on a train platform in a rural part of Osaka. Now picture the morning rush of suited up workmen and uniformed youth commuting to the local train hub. Even if there wasn't the obvious physical differences you would know I'm the only foreigner due to the "tourist" look; slightly agape mouth, wide eyes, and a posture that practically screams naiveté. Today I wondered what they thought of my observation. As I stand there waiting for my 7:20 train I look at everything. I stare at bamboo forests, I follow the pigeons gathering their nesting materials, I even stare at gardens. That's right, I watch grass grow cause it's all so new.
To my fellow commuter they know their surroundings. I don't. I don't know how the next gust of wind will affect the bamboo trees, I've never seen a pigeon nest in anything other an an elm or window ledge, and some of these plants would keep my head in a botany book for weeks. So, here I am, month number two around the bend. I wonder if those used to their surroundings will ever get used to my awe, cause I don't think it's going anywhere anytime soon. I'm stuck with this "tourist" look for now.
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