My trip to Japan
The Island of Japan did more for me than be any amazing tourist location. I not only went and stayed in Japan, but I was a foreign exchange student on a full scholarship. I made life long friends, experienced new foods and cultures, and found out characteristics about myself that I never knew existed.
I lived in Osaka, Japan for seven weeks while going to see many shrines, gardens, and sacred temples. My host sister, Yoshiko, and I became very close; we still keep in contact with each other to this day. Yoshiko and her mother showed me kindness that I never thought possible. They brought me into their home and accepted me as their own. My host mother owned a bar; I not only helped open and close the bar, but sang karaoke until I was blue in the face.
Being away from my family, friends, and home for so long at the age of fifteen helped me to mature and grow as a person. I found my independence. Everyone kept asking me, “Aren’t you afraid? Aren’t you scared of what you are getting into?” I was excited beyond belief. It wasn’t until the car ride from the airport to my new home did the shock hit me. I also found that I adapt well to situations and people. The food and atmosphere of
Overall, I loved every moment of my trip, and to this day still tell stories of my experiences I gained while in
