Yesterday I happened to be waiting in a hotel lobby for some friends when I saw a family walk in, two parents and a child. I noticed the kid and thought he looked Japanese… I reminded myself that Asia is a big place. I didn't pay them much mind as I was busy with my Renshuu grammar reviews. But then I heard them speaking Japanese and I absolutely could not believe it! Where I live in the North East US the chances of coming across Japanese people in public is very slim. It was surreal!
The mother and her child sat right next to me while the father was busy talking to the receptionist. I was as nervous as I've ever been in my life. I knew exactly what I wanted to say but I had a hard time getting it out! She must have been confused, but when I said 「日本人ですか？」her face lit right up. We spoke for about 15 minutes in Japanese and English. It was really, really hard but I think I did well even if I wasn't able to say all the things I wanted to say, and even if there were some (really) long pauses here and there.
I never expected my first experience speaking Japanese to actually be in person. I feel so fortunate. I'm still giddy thinking back on it. I can hardly believe what happened. This experience has given me so much motivation to continue learning and to practice actually speaking with people.
by Mr-Superhate