What I'm doing now

One week in: I’m settling into Tokyo life and building a simple daily routine around Japanese study, walking, and exploring my neighborhood.
Language focus: I’m drilling basics (hiragana/katakana, survival phrases) and trying to practice speaking/listening in real situations—stores, trains, and everyday errands.
Learning the systems: Japan is amazing, but everything has rules—especially trash sorting and recycling. I’m slowly getting it right.
Weekend adventures: I’m starting to meet people and do group outings into the city center—food, sightseeing, and just experiencing Tokyo together.
Health & rhythm: Trying to stay consistent with movement (walks + light workouts) and eat better while I’m here.
Overall Feelings: While the program/housing is starting out rough, I’m optimistic about the next few months, just like I was in Tianjin.I've made a few friends, mostly American, but hope to get to know the rest of the class from Brazil, Kazakhstan, India, Korea, Taiwan, Russia.

Good Morning: I've been back a month now. The weather is finally cooling down to the 60s, no more 80 degree weather. I've playing a lot of basketball at Seth Lewelling Elementary through our nonprofit Founders Basketball. We've been playing 2 days a week and I've been swimming again at LA Fitness. Every week, I hang out with Uncle Ernest for a walk to Clackamas High School track, coffee, or chess.
I've got a couple months: To figure out my plans for next year whether it be going back to China or Germany. Anything is possible!
Also started gaming again: with Kevin, Jimmy, and Super. We beat Cute Defense after 12 hours and got back into Dota with James and SC2 as well.

Back In Portland: Getting a new routine, costco, gym, planning the future, finding my next project.
Basketball Season Started: Getting back in shape, 2x a week.
Catching Up: Catching up with friends, family, church events.

Finished A1.1 at Sprachschule Aktiv: Completed my first German course and advanced to A2 at Heinrich Heine University—challenging but rewarding with new international friends.
Trips to Milan & Lake Como: Enjoyed pizza, the Duomo, Milan’s grand Starbucks, and scenic views at Lake Como.
Visited Frankfurt: Met friends, explored Palmengarten, and experienced the lively Mainfest along the river.
Life in Germany: Adjusting to long commutes, no AC, cheap groceries, fresh bread, and a culture that feels both practical and diverse.

Living in Düsseldorf for 3 months: Currently based in Düsseldorf, enjoying the city and its culture.
Studying at Sprachschule Aktiv: Enrolled in German language classes to improve my skills.
Traveled to Amsterdam for Stray Kids: Visited Amsterdam to see Stray Kids live—an amazing experience!

Watching the stock market: Amid the Trump US-China tariffs war and investing
Finishing a book on my year in China: Editing is hard
Playing basketball
Learning German and travelling to Dusseldorf for 3 months this summer

(This is a now page, inspired by Derek Sivers)

Brian Lau