On Friday morning, my sister managed to pull herself out of bed at 6 am. I was going to carpool with another JET, L, from the same consulate who lived right across the border in Kentucky. We popped by Starbucks for a last taste of cheap American Starbucks coffee. It’s always so expensive aboard and I’m sure my smaller town won’t have one. The drive down to Nashville began at 7 am, as I said goodbye to my sister. My family had already departed earlier on vacation so we said our goodbyes almost two weeks ago.

It was a pleasant car ride down with interesting conversation. We arrived perfectly in time at Nashville where we stopped by Panera for lunch before heading to the consulate. From noon to 4 pm we had various workshops preparing ourselves for our departure. Everything was so laid out especially the travel arrangements. It was like travelling with a babysitter service again, ha. We even got forms telling us how to fill out the customs card. Those staying in the hotel had to lug their luggage up into the back of the room. I was lucky because L’s father was spending the night in the same hotel and could drive our directly there later. Thank goodness, because my stuff was heavy! Praying that it’ll be under the weight limit. I had two suitcases and my backpacking bag.

Our Nashville Consulate JET group

For dinner, we all piled on a bus and went to the Consul-General of Japan’s house. Stunning, absolutely stunning. It was huge, with high ceilings, and a pool in the backyard with a cascading fountain built in. We all shared a toast, kampai, after various speeches. Then dinner was served. Gorgeous dishes of traditional Japanese food; all quite delicious. But the desert! We had some type of custard with fruit that I could have eaten all day long. I introduced myself to the Consul and his wife and had a nice chat. They were so welcoming.

Afterward the bus drove us first back to the consulate to drop those off who had left their cars, and then we continued on to the hotel that had been arranged. At this point, it was shortly after 8 pm. As we approached the ramp onto I-65-S, it became apparent that the interstate was closed for construction. We were placed on a detour route. As this was near the area where I used to live and drive a lot, I realized the driver had missed his turn for getting back on the interstate. He ended up following several cars to a dead end. Then the ordeal of trying to turn around in a hulking bus began. After some failed attempts, he realized he’d have to just drive straight in reverse. He made it partway down the street, before trying to then turn into a parking lot so that he no longer had to drive backward. As we slowly drove into the lot on a slight incline, we hear two grinding noises. As the driver gave gas, the wheels spun, the smell of burning rubber filled the air, and we did not move. Stuck, run aground on pavement.

Waiting outside the broken down bus

I suggested we all get off the bus and remove our luggage to help lift the bus, but the driver didn’t think it’d help. We sat there for quite some time as the he futilely tried to move the bus. Finally, one of us, G, took charge and managed to call our coordinator and let him know what was happening. The driver said we would get a replacement bus within 15 minutes but it never showed up. G ended up calling for several taxis that would be able to transport all 13 of us and luggage. At this point a couple people had called friends and family, and managed to get themselves picked up. A couple others and I managed to bum a ride with another JET’s family to the Red Roof Inn. I was so tired at this point. The one hour time difference was not in my favor. Plus, we had to get to the airport at 5 am the next morning.

We checked in at the hotel as the other taxis managed to arrive shortly. I informed L’s dad as to what had happened because L’s phone had already been switched off. I was able to get my bag from L’s dad and finally crash in the room. It was after 10:30 pm at this point. I surfed the web a bit and prepped my bag and clothes for the next day. I had no problems falling asleep after that despite my excitement. So tired!