Japan–the country in which I’d spent my formative years (ages eight to eighteen)–will always be close to my heart, for that was the beginning of my life as an expat. Upon my return to Canada, the nine years I had spent there meant that I had become a TCK, a third culture kid—a term I didn’t know existed until three decades later.

My family boarded the S.S. President Wilson in San Francisco, and it sailed to Kobe, via Hawaii. I have three particular memories associated with this voyage.

First, I remember that many of us became seasick soon after we had embarked, and that my dad used the power of suggestion (or psychological manipulation!) to help me get better quickly by promising I could attend a movie in the ship’s theatre that evening if I was well enough to go. It worked!

I remember, too, that meal times were exciting for me. Every morning I was invited to choose what I would like to eat from several options provided on a menu. Being a child unaccustomed to having more than one choice, I always ate what I liked best–Rice Krispies topped with sliced bananas and doused with cream.

My third memory is of a playroom where children could go for supervised activities. I believe that’s where I first met the girl who became my best friend during the voyage. Here’s a photo of her ninth birthday party!