Que sera sera

If I could see into the future I might be a very wealthy woman but would I be happy? I am not so sure.

In the lyrics of Que sera sera as sung by Doris Day

Que sera, sera
Whatever will be, will be
The future’s not ours to see

Future plans? yes I do do have future plans. They are personal goals and to a point very achievable but even the best laid plans sometimes hit detours!

When I first came back to Japan in 2012, I had a 10 year plan. I hoped to be here for the 2019 Rugby World Cup as a couple of my students are strong possibilities for the All Japan Squad and one of NZ graduate students may well be playing for the All Blacks. I wanted to be here for the 2020 Olympics for the pure fact I would love to go to the Olympics at least once in my life. Real Bucket list stuff. Que sera sera. Whatever will be, will be!

However, that plan may not evolve as my darling dad is not in the best of health and I may find myself returning home earlier than initially envisioned. While I am saddened by my dad’s decline in health, I am sure my future still holds lots of joy and adventures. It is just not mine to see yet! Que sera sera. Whatever will be, will be!

The future strikes me as a wonderfully detailed map. There are many options and roads to be taken. I have no issues with taking wrong turns now and then, If I find myself on the wrong track I am not too proud to turn back or ask for help and direction. If I find myself on a different path than originally planned, it is not necessarily a bad thing. It is just a new and exciting adventure! Que sera sera. Whatever will be, will be!

My world trip in 2011 was a classic. I had a 2 month stint planned in the Middle East. Two weeks before my departure the Spring Uprising occurred and the whole area became very politically unstable and not the safest place to travel. I was already in the States. A quick rethink, a few frenzied emails and calls to my marvelous travel agent ensued and I found my self winging it to Costa Rica , going overland up through Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, Mexico and on to Cuba.

Engulfed – Cuba

Guatemala

Cuba

Mexico – Chichen Itza

Belize

Guatemala

Honduras – Copan

Nicaragua – San Juan del Sur

Costa Rica – Arenal

I turned up without a guide book or any real background knowledge and had a superb couple of months. I made some great friends from Canada, Australia and Ireland. I have since visited some of them and they have came and seen me in Japan. A case of best laid plans not quite coming to fruition but the alternative was just as awesome if not better. Que sera sera. Whatever will be, will be!

What lies in my future?  Christmas 2015 with my family, a trip to Alaska and Tonga (date to be decided), more cooking classes while in Japan, Climbing MT Fuji before I pop my clogs and more. I am sure the future holds many more learning experiences, many more opportunties and many more wonderful people who will make great impacts on my life. I hope my wonderful relationships with friends and family remain strong and I hope that the connections I am making through blogging continue to grow and blossom. Que sera sera Whatever will be, will be!

I remember as a child asking my mum, if she had 3 wishes, What would they be? She always replied “I would wish to be healthy, wealthy and wise”  That seems like an excellent wish for the future to me! Que sera sera Whatever will be, will be!

Whatever the future provides, I am optimistic. I plan to make the most of it and enjoy it to the best of my ability. I wish you all the best for your future endeavours!

I leave you with Que sera sera, karaoke favourite of mine, so sing along with me!

Yoroshiku Onegai Shimasu

Leanne