Time in Tokyo
As of yesterday I have a ticket to Japan and all the money I need for tuition thanks to the gracious donations from my family. I love them ever so much. Now that everything is underway I keep thinking of things I'm going to need or things to look up. For instance, I looked up the average temperature while I'll be in Japan (The high is 80), and I'm also thinking about getting a plug converter.
Other than things I'll need I also have feelings of excitement and nervousness. I've never been so far out of the country before. Sure, I've been to Grand Cayman where I had to go through customs/immigration, but that's not that far away. Japan is half a world away with a 11/12 hour time difference. Not only that but I'll have to ride on a huge international plane for nine hours. I've never been in a plane, in a confined space that long before and it makes me a little nervous.
What also makes me nervous is the Narita Airport. I'm afraid that when I get there I won't understand what people, specifically airport personnel, are saying to me. What if I need to know something important but I don't understand. What if I get lots in the airport trying to find my way out of the terminal. What if I spend so much time in customs that I miss Mr. Mineyama, my program coordinator. Maybe I worry too much and I'm fearful for no reason, but I can't help but worry. This is going to be a long trip and I have a lot of things to think about and a lot of stuff to do to be physically and mentally prepared. I've been waiting for this moment for as long as I can remember and it's going to be one heck of a ride.
Once a college student with a requirement to travel and experience another culture along with learning another language, now I'm a young adult with a passion for Japan. So, as a person who has always been interested in Japanese culture, this blog will track my travels and bring you along on my adventure into the land of the rising sun.
Hello! I stumbled upon your website while searching "Gilman Scholarship rejection." Allow me to first share my sorrows for the decision for your essay. I, too, applied for the scholarship, though for Fall 2012, and understand the pain you must feel as I know I will receive a similar email. However, I also want to take a moment to say that I'm happy that you're not letting this get the better of you! Trying to face the reality of this situation, I succumbed to misery and self-pity at the sullen future before me. But, reading that you are striving forward has encouraged me to pick myself back up and keep moving. I wish you the best of luck in your journey to Japan and the best of luck with the language! I know of a few people who studied abroad in Tokyo and all have nothing but positive remarks. I'm sure you'll enjoy it just as they have!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes,
--Anonymous