(Continuing my story of first coming to Oita when I was 23.)
My new apartment in Oita had a washing machine. It was outside on the balcony. It also had a refrigerator and one electric burner to cook on in the tiny hallway kitchen.
Besides that, I had only the things that I had brought from Texas in my suitcase—clothes, toothbrush, etc. I needed to buy all kinds of things— cooking pans, dishes, towels, laundry poles (物干し竿), food and other groceries, for my new apartment. So I walked to Yokoman and Jusco, the two main stores in Mitsuyoshi at that time.
Do you remember Yokoman and the old Jusco in Mistuyoshi? I loved those two stores! I walked around them slowly, looking at everything. Many products and foods were unfamiliar (見ず知らず). I had no idea what many things were!
I slowly set up my apartment, realizing more and more things that I needed. Things like dish soap, laundry soap, plastic wrap and foil, and a garbage can were gradually added to my little home. I also got a futon and pillow. I bought an air conditioner after realizing that an electric fan was no match for the special kind of muggy heat here. I also got a broom and sponges and other cleaning supplies.
I enjoyed cleaning my apartment every Saturday morning. I’d clean every nook and cranny (隅々), which wasn’t too difficult because the apartment was so small! Then I'd relax and have lunch while watching “Daijobu Da!” (大丈夫だ) with Ken Shimura. This was my introduction to Japanese comedy. I have since outgrown (この場合, outgrown=卒業しました) Ken Shimura, but I still love Japanese comedy!
Looking back on those days now, I think it was such an adventure. But moving away from home and getting your first apartment is an adventure for any young person, whether you're in a foreign country or not.
What are your memories of your first days of independence as a young person