The start of May was Golden Week and what a golden week it was. Rather than staying in Mito like I did last year, I was itching to get away this year. My itch took me and my friend to Okinawa! What a beautiful place! Beautiful beaches and amazing food, is it too soon to go back? There’s a lot of American influences (fashion, some food, and shoes), but most of the influences were Chinese (old music, dragons etc). In a way, Okinawa reminded me of Hawaii. Except replace the…
Looking Back. One Year Later
One year later and I’m still alive!! This past weekend marked the one year anniversary of being in Japan.. I can’t believe a year has gone by! I remember sitting on the plane thinking “It’ll be okay… it’s only a year.. one year and I’ll come back” well, I was wrong. People who told me I was going to love it here and I was going to have so much fun… I hate that you were right but I’m also happy you were right. This past year was crazy (that’s…
In with the New!
School has officially started! I don’t know if it started Thursday when it was the opening ceremony or if it started Friday when we had the welcome ceremony for the first graders. Either way, come Monday, we will be back in session! I think I like how the school year runs here more than in America. Yes, in America you have a three month break.. But students go back when the nice weather is ending (how depressing) and it starts to get cold.. (bleh ?) versus Japan where when the…
Out With the Old…
Happy spring everyone!! Sakura trees are starting to bloom, days are getting longer, and warmer! The school year in Japan finished March 24 and 6th grade graduation was the week before. It’s crazy to think almost a year has gone by! It definitely doesn’t feel like it. Now that school is out, you’d think things would slow down a bit. HA! JOKE! Well… Yes and no. Since the school year is over, teachers are notified whether or not they will be staying at the same school or leaving. Since they…
Let it Snow
Well, my travels have come to an end (for now) so things are starting to slow down for me.. Kind of. Beginning of the month, I went to Sapporo for their snow festival with some friends. With all the snow, I felt like I was back home. It was still warmer than any Chicago or Minnesota winter. Fun fact, Hokkaido has insulated buildings!!!! Which makes sense since it get’s so cold up there.. It was nice not having to wear layers to bed and waking up to a warm apartment.…
Oh the Places You’ll Go!
Surprise! I’m alive! Back from my second adventure of the month! Most people know, but in case some don’t.. I WENT BACK TO AMERICA!!… Again.. But this time I was home!! Well Chicago home for like a day, but Minnesota home for a weekend! And if anyone was wondering, YES, I FINALLY GOT MY CHIPOTLE! ??? For the most part I ate everything I wanted to eat. But I didn’t get a chance to see everyone I wanted to see ?. Oh well, I’ll be home sooner than you know…
明けましておめでとうございます!
Happy New Year everyone! New year, new semester, new adventures! And boy have I had adventures already this year! Most of you know, I rang in the new year with my family in Hawaii! This time it wasn’t just my Mom and or just my Dad. Nope!!! It was everyone plus my brother’s girlfriend! I was a little bummed didn’t get to spend Thanksgiving or Christmas with them so new years to me felt extra special. Good weather, good company, and good food! But no. Freaking. Chipotle!!!!!!!! ? We…
I’m Dreaming of a..
Christmas time is here!! I wish I could go home for Christmas but I’ll settle for New Years in Hawaii ?. It doesn’t feel like Christmas is right around the corner. Temperature wise it feels like a Minnesota October but the Christmas spirit is very much alive! Christmas lights, music, and parties galore! But of course, closing ceremony isn’t until AFTER Christmas so my break doesn’t begin until the 26th (officially the 29th). There aren’t enough words to express how excited I am to see my family! And getting to…
It Was the Best of Times and…
“How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard” – Winnie the Pooh Well, October has come and gone in a blink of an eye and boy, what a month it’s been. I know I say that in just about every post, but I think this month takes the prize. This month was a giant roller coaster of emotions. But despite the downs, I’m very grateful for the ups I had and the people in my life to share them with. And even though the downs…
6 months…
Hello world! Where has the time gone? I can’t believe it’s already October!! I’ve officially been living in Japan for 6 months! ONLY 6 MONTHS! I’m excited to announce that I have officially decided to stay for another year. Sooo sorry my American friends but looks like you won’t be seeing me for a long time. A lot has happened since my last post! I don’t even know where to begin! I guess for starters I could mention Guam. What. A. Trip. Guam with Mom!I highly encourage anyone and everyone…