Dazwischen und Mittendrin

It's halftime. After 6 weeks of traveling from east to west, from north to south, we look back on a very special time. It feels magical, like a dream. But the marks on our skin and in our bodies show us what we have experienced and gone through. It's not always beautiful, but we know that. The burdens we carry with us are noticeable. Where are our limits and why do we often push them? And why do our inner monsters often win?
So far, we have met so many wonderful people. So much has been given to us. The people at home who made our journey possible and encouraged us, and the people here who give us a home and share with us.
That makes this journey indescribably special and valuable. It teaches us to cultivate openness to others and to bring gratitude. The girls shine with their smiles and their eyes, in an honest way. They make friends everywhere, whether on the train, on the street, or in the onsen. They are simply in the here and now. They seize the moment when it comes. They are happy to help with work, at their own pace. But playing with the other children of the host families was essential and wonderful.
Of course, they miss their home, their sweet rabbits, and their big family and dear friends. Sometimes our extensive explorations and walks drain their strength. Sometimes we experience too much: too much new, too much that we don't understand. We spend hours in the supermarket just trying to figure out what's on the shelves in front of us. Many things contain sugar or flavor enhancers and are triple wrapped in plastic.
We have rented a car for the rest of the time because traveling as a family by train is exhausting. The stroller is a blessing, but the trains are crowded and the train stations are somewhat adventurous to navigate (a labyrinth to the next elevator...). Our nerves are weak and we don't always keep a cool head (the sun shines differently here and you should wear a hat).
What can we do then? What do we need? The answer is usually a hug and then something to eat. Hooray for the countless 24/7 konbinis! No, of course also places of retreat, pausing, listening, taking a breath.

We set off, we go along with life here. But it's also the people here who make a lot of effort to connect us with others. We were often approached and engaged in interesting conversations, introduced to other friends. For that, we say thank you - arigatou gozaimasu. How beautiful is the togetherness, how much can be achieved and enriched through it. We also hope to be able to give something back - we will definitely bring a lot back home.