Kiron

JUNE 16

...And just like that, my fellow students and I are going to Japan. I remember the very long interview process that I had to go through in order to be apart of the trip. To be completely honest, I didn't think I had it in me to go to Japan. I thought that I would be be working at this time of the year! But I got chosen to go, and I can't explain to you all how happy I am.

Wow! I can't even sleep! And I'm so tired! Pre-Japan jitters, I'd say. I've been looking forward for this trip for a while now, and now that it is here, I cannot contain myself! Of course, I'm nervous, too, why wouldn't I be? This trip isn't all fun and games, now! I mean...or, WE mean business. This is no walk in the park, this is a survival test: a test of being away from home, getting us ready for college, a test of survival, money management, and a test of testing or honing our Japanese skills on the island where it originated. This is no cakewalk, this is war... of course, it's not that serious, but it's really important!

As I end my first blog post (and there will be many more to come!), I would like to thank each and every one who contributed to this trip and made it possible. You all are a huge help, and you are awesome for that! Thank you, once again, and I will see you in two weeks!

Sincerely, Kiron Blackwood

June 17 

After a brutal plane ride where my face wouldn't stop hurting, I am finally in Japan！I am having the greatest time right now and it hasn't even been a day yet! The railway system is so complex though... Wow, the trains were packed! I look forward to tomorrow! Big day ahead!

June 18

well, it is was my first actual day in Japan! And I've got to say, I'm really loving it here! So many things to do and Tokyo is huge! You all can't imagine my enthusiasm at the moment! Wow, what a day. I believe we took about 15 trains total yesterday? (By the way, yesterday was the 18th for us) But yes, 15. Wow, and we walked about 20,000 steps so that is equivalent to like 10 miles! Crazy, isn't it? The train system is elaborate but actually it's so confusing so getting lost is extremely easy. Gotta be careful! We went to two shrines yesterday and they were beautiful! I'll add pictures when I can! Harajuku was amazing! I bought things for a lot of people and they will love their souvenirs. I also have pictures of that, too. But today is gonna be big! We are going up a really tall structure called the Sky Tree and that will be a great experience. It's kinda humid out so that's not going to be fun.... But how often are you in Japan?

June Something

To be completely honest, I've lost track of the days. I have no clue what the date is or the day of the week. I've been having that much fun! We climbed the Tokyo Sky Tree, the second tallest tower in the world! I met so many people and reunited with my Senpai! Good times! Pictures coming soon! Well, I am not in Tokyo anymore. We took a long train ride north to the mountains of Nikko. This place is really quiet and beautiful and the best part is that we're on a mountain! It's easy to get tired up here and I get stronger at the same time, too! I mean, I didn't think we were on a mountain because the train ride was kind of flat on the way. Anyways we are on our way to the hot springs and the Tobu World Square! I can't wait!

Kiron