こんにちは～♪

Hello everyone, and welcome to my newest blog. This blog is going to help me document my travels as I study abroad in Japan at Kansai Gaidai University. It will be viewed by family, friends, teachers, and even some high school students of Japanese classes, so when you make comments, please keep that in mind. Also, when you make a comment and you do not have a blogger account, please include your name so I know who you are! I will also be sending out a weekly update email, so if you wish to join the update list, let me know!

I will be located in Hirakata City, Osaka Prefecture, in the Kansai region of Japan. Here's a map just in case you're curious!
We'll be surrounded by some pretty nice travel opportunities. Osaka is a large, bustling city, deeply entrenched in business (and shopping!), whereas Kyoto is the capital of traditional culture in Japan, complete with Geiko, Maiko, and many historical temples and shrines. All of these things are just a short train ride away!

Of course, I haven't arrived in Japan yet, but the date is rapidly approaching (6 days!!!!). I'm very nervous as I have never been traveling all by my lonesome, but I'm also extremely excited. Besides, I will have my Mount Union roommate and partner in crime, Kaylie, by my side during the whole journey, so if we get lost or get into trouble, we'll be in it together! Also, we will be meeting an old friend from Mount who is currently living and working in Japan, so he is going to help us when we arrive. In total, there are four students from Mount Union traveling to Japan this semester. It's always nice to have some familiar faces around!

I'm currently procrastinating on the whole packing issue....it's very overwhelming! I still need to evaluate luggage size, weight limits, and carry-on limitations before everything's all set. I'm also going to be getting a hold of some yen from the bank in a few days so that I'll be ready when I get over there. Mom seems more excited to get the actual bills in hand than I do, I think!

I received the contact information for my speaking partner yesterday. I emailed her and am anxiously awaiting a reply. Her name is Megumi, and I'm a little nervous to meet her and speak with her as I am a very shy person, but I really hope Megumi-san and I get along well, and that by talking with her, I'll really become a lot better at speaking.

Going to Japan has been a dream of mine that I never really thought would actually come into fruition. I'm so grateful that I have been given this opportunity, and I will represent everyone here at home in the best way I can!