The best part of learning any language is finding the words and expressions that don't translate directly into one's native language — I think that's where you find the real meat of a culture. Take the Japanese word 離れる. One translation would be to distance oneself from something or someone, like perhaps after a breakup. But it is also the word used to describe leaving a country, often permanently. As I stare down my own departure from Japan this summer, I can't help but feel that the experience of leaving Japan has a lot in common with a romantic breakup. The timing is often out of one's control; the end seems rather final; certain memories will be cherished forever, others will hopefully soon be forgotten; and there is a hefty dose of uncertainty resting over it all. Farewell readers, thanks for reading, お元気で.