Surprise Going Away Party? You Shouldn't Have ;)

      I came home after running to the bookstore and was welcomed by a surprise party! With balloons and streamers and everything!      It was so heartwarming to have all my friends and family crowded together in my little kitchen, shouting over each other (lovingly of course), and dancing horribly to throw back 90's songs (okay maybe I was the only horrible one). I love my family and last night I was reminded of their unending faith in me. Their reassuring comments of  "you'll be fine" or their confident mutterings of "if anyone can do it it would be you," left me with a new-found confidence and the stomach tingling, tear brimming feeling of being loved. 

     So here's a big thank you to everyone! Especially my Aunt Renee! I'm blessed to have you all behind me and am continuously honored and encouraged by the faith you all have in me.

Pre-Trip Jitters and A Fear of Traveling

 
 

       I am probably the biggest worry wart you'll ever meet. So going on a trip to a non-English speaking country for the first time by myself is like a field day of emotional distress. I don't worry about the larger details. No, because that would be understandable right? 

Instead, I worry about the tiniest, the most implausible, and insignificant details possible. Like, what if I accidentally packed medicine that's illegal in Japan (despite the fact that I've meticulously checked and re-checked the list)? What if I get stranded in another country? What if I forget all my Japanese and make a fool of myself? What will happen if I run out of deodorant? 

There's nothing like calling home to tell your mom you got busted for smuggling Tylenol Cold.

     Here's the thing, traveling is frightening. Maybe not the act itself but all the "what ifs" and possibilities it brings. I've always admired those travelers who can just spontaneously, with little planning go out into the world and enjoy it. Heck, I need a plan just to go to the supermarket! But this is why I decided to go to Japan, to face this fear and open myself to spontaneity. Now I'm not saying I'm going to be jumping on the next impromptu backpacking adventure. Let me first get through my neatly planned to the tee Japan trip!

-Danya

   

   

ようこそ Welcome!

     

     Hey there, glad to have you along on one of my first big adventures - studying abroad in Japan! I've always considered myself to be a homebody suffering from incurable wanderlust. And until recently I've never quite worked up the nerve to actually start...well, anything. But after months of aggravating paper work, arduous application processes, several mental break downs and path questionings, I've bought a ticket to Japan and was accepted to a study abroad program. 

     There was a quote I once heard (my English major is showing here)  that I thought was really inspiring.

     "Every few hundred feet, the world changes." - Roberto Bolaño

I can't say that this notion doesn't both excite and frighten me. I've always been a little resistant towards change (okay, a lot resistant) but I hope by undergoing this journey I can grow use to its presence and appreciate its advantages. 

      So there you have it , here I will be chronicling my travels in Japan for all of you to see (all of you most likely consisting of my mom and dad). I'll document my experiences, my adjustment, and the interesting things I find. I'll hope you'll enjoy the adventure as much as I. 

-Danya