Japan Journals: Part 1 of 35.

Been a while since posting here again, hasn't it? Well, what better place than to finally post my journal entries from my trip to Japan that ended, in fact, one year ago today? I have never shared these with the internet, or even typed them, until now. Here's hoping anybody reading this enjoys. :)

First, a short set-up so this will all make sense in context:
I was in Japan for five weeks from the first of June to July third last summer. I went as part of a study abroad trip; we spent time in Tenri, Tokyo, Nara, and Kyoto, as well as a week of homestay--mine was in little place called Sakurai. I have never had such an amazing experience in my life. Twenty-six students, three teachers, and me--mortally terrified of airplanes. What a trip. :)

Now, on to the journal entries!



First page: stickers given to me by my youngest host sister.
The opening says:
"Nihon ni ikimashou! (Let's go to Japan!)
My Japan Trip
June 1, 2008 ~ July 3, 2008"

6/1/2008
6:20 a.m. EST - the sky to Chicago

I can't believe I actually got on the plane. between my nerves and my mother worrying it was a pretty difficult step, but thankfully, Toki (note: my boyfriend's nickname) was there to see me on board. His flight to Rhode Island leaves later today. In my mind, this is just a bus and the turbulence is only potholes in the road. I am really scared, but I've got valium and gingerale, so maybe I'll be okay, yeah? I'm sitting next to Dr. Beahan, the history prof from MSU, and she's really calm, so it's helping.

We flew off into the sunrise when we left thi smorning. It was, as a guy in front of my pointed out, a perfect way to start a trip to the land of the rising sun.

This part of the flight is only about an hour, so I guess it's a good warm-up for what lies ahead. I've always wante to go to California, but I gotta say, these are frightening circumstances for doing so.

Wow, a half hour went by pretty quickly--maybe this flying thing isn't so bad? Or maybe valium's just really good!

Getting a little motion sick from all these "potholes," so tata for now~