Spiro

Saturday, November 8

Well, being totally honest, the end of day three is already feeling like day ten. I suppose that's due to our packed schedule, and the walking that goes with it. Already, we've seen temples, shrines, a castle, and the former residence of a Samurai. Its rather intriguing to see so much of this country's old tradition standing side by side with its modern society. There really is no such comparison back home. It really is quite amazing.

Needless to say, my legs have not quite forgiven me for all the walking, but im sure they'll get used to it. Or rather, they'll have to get used to it. There's too much to see in Japan to be sitting around.

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Sunday, November 9

Today we visited a Temple known as Komyozen-ji. Much like the temples and shrines we've already visited, the Japanese architecture never ceases to amaze. The place was near silent. Even foreigners, like our group, know to respect the age and wisdom of the Temple. Temples and Shrines are a direct link to Japan's past, as well as a part of some people's modern life. The intertwining of old and new culture creates an odd sense of balance that one might describe as tranquility. There are nations who struggle to this day to find a place where new and old coincide. In this respect, Japanese people seem to have a clear resolve. If only we could all be so fortunate.

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Monday, November 10

Well, I'm convinced. Japan must exist in the future. The other day I walked into a restaurant bathroom and the toilet seat lifted automatically as I approached it. And of course, as one might expect, the toilet played music when I sat on it. I suppose bullet trains are cool too, but that toilet was revolutionary.

Today we visited the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum and peace park. As expected, the museum serves as a grim reminder of the powers that mankind has attained and abused throughout our history. The devastation caused by the atomic bomb was unparalleled, and let loose a type of destruction that few people ever survive. It created quite a bloodstain on our history, and no one's in a hurry to forget about it. Although the names will be forgotten, the deeds will not. Whether its best to move on or leave the past intact for us to observe it is beyond me, but I suppose a little bit of both would be appropriate.

On a brighter note. We walked right out of the museum and into the Peace Park, a park dedicated to looking forward towards a more peaceful world.

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Tuesday, November 11

The word of the day is definitly "Onsen". A steaming hot bath where everyone is as naked as can be. Its suprisingly is not that awkward. We split into smaller groups and were set free to visist any 3 Onsens of our choosing. At the second place, we met a rather interesting lady. She called me "Kawaii", which is Japanese for cute. Then when she asked us how old we were and I answered 17 she said "Me too". (She was not FYI. She later said she was in her sixties.) She was kind of hilarious. I kind of regret not getting a picture with her, but I suppose I'll live.

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Thursday, November 13

Forgot to blog yesterday. Thankfully the day was mostly train rides. However, there was one significant event at the end. We all got to meet our host families for the first time. I think that all us were at least a little bit nervous. After all, who would not be? But I think I speak for most of us trippers when I say that it was a wonderful experience. Ryota's family is kind, funny, and definitely goes out of their way to make me comfortable here. Ill be honest, Ryota knows more English than I know Japanese. Even so, his family is impressed by what little I know.

Its rather intriguing to see how a Japanese home differs from a family home in America. Getting an inside look at another nation's culture is such valuable experience. To truly understand why cultures are different in different places, you have to be there and live it for yourself. This applies to school life as well. Ryota's classmates seem to be just as curious about me as I am about them. They are all very welcoming and understanding of my limited Japanese.

Its times like these when I think about how I almost could not go on this trip. That would have been devastating. So I am more than grateful that Im here in this nation of such kind and respectful people. There's a lot to admire here in Japan, that's for sure.

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Saturday, November 15

And once again I've missed a day of blogging. It's just that I get so tired at the end of each day that I just end up forgetting. But I've gotta say, I've been sleeping like a rock every night here in Japan. Its pretty nice.

So, yesterday the group joined up again to got to Tokyo for the day. We all rode on a Ferris Wheel called Kanransha in Odaiba. Afterwards, we were set free to explore a bit. We spent a decent chunk of time in an arcade. I think I've taken quite a liking to Rythm games. It's a shame I didnt try the Dance Dance Revolution. Logan was extremely skilled at it. (You'll understand what I'm talking about when you see the videos). A day of fun after immersing in Japanese Culture for a week definitely did us all good.

As for today, we did some touring in Urasa. We made Soba noodles, took pictures in Ukatas, and did a bit of shopping. A day fit for a weekend.

Speaking of endings, this trip is getting closer to its end. It's weird to think about how close our 18 student group has gotten within our time here. I now know way more about the other students than I ever thought I would. But I ' M Glad things worked out That way. And of course, Im at the point where  thinking  About my "normal" home schedule IS strange. Its odd to think About How a little time away CAN make the normal Seem alien.

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Tuesday, November 18

And just like that, its over. Some day ill look back and wonder if it even happened. These past two weeks have been some of the longest in my entire life. Just a few days ago, I was certain that I was ready to go home. Now, walking away from all of this is a bit more depressing than I thought it would be.

I am extremely greatful for the Sakurai family's kindness. From day one, they have been nothing but good to me. And at Ryota's school, I met many new people and made many new friends. My only regret is that I did not have more time to get to know them all. I told them all that I'd return one day when I knew more Japanese. I meant what I said, but unfortunately it isnt that simple. By the time I someday return to Japan, the lives of the people I've met will have branched off into a million different directions. Today is likely the last day that I'll ever see most of those people in person. That's just the way life works I suppose.

But the biggest question is, should we smile because it happened? Or cry because its over? As Ms. Ogura and I agreed upon, little bit of both definitely seems appropriate.

So thank you Mr. Van Krey and Yokota-sensei for deciding that I was worthy enough to join you on this trip. As the only J2 level student onboard, I was honored. This was an unforgettable experience that I could not recreate even with all the money in the world. Not only did I learn new things about myself, I learned new things about my fellow students. I'd say that we all get along pretty well now.

And with that, concludes the final blog. Tomorrow is nothing but travel. I'll see you all back in America.

Potatornado
(That's an inside joke)