2 Weeks 'til Take Off!

My grand adventure to Japan is nearly ready to begin. I've been a roller coaster of emotions, from incredibly exited, to overwhelmed at the tasks I need to accomplish! The reality of the trip truly set in this week when I received my flight itinerary. On Sunday the 12th I will be flying from Manchester, NH at 6:30am to San Francisco for an orientation session and dinner at the Consulate General's house, then off to Tokyo the following day. Although this trip is fully funded, I also got some travelers checks and Yen this week to buy gifts and mementos for myself, family, and friends.

I still have not decided how I will spend my one free day in Japan. Many of my fellow travelers have been making plans to travel in groups outside of Tokyo to places like Kyoto and Kamakura, but I'm going to wait to make any plans. I think I may take the day to explore as much of Tokyo as I can, rather than spending much of my free day sitting on a train. Getting lost by yourself in a foreign city is one way to gain a true appreciation of the many things it has to offer, and I'm sure it will also provide me with many stories to tell! What do you think? Should I spend my free day soaking up the sights in Tokyo, or should I venture to Kamakura? Let me know in the comments section!

告別 (farewell)

Tick-Tock, Tick-Tock...

The pages of the calendar seem to be flipping by at a fast rate these days. The pace of life once school starts in September is always a startling change from the more relaxed days of summer. Such rushed feelings are only highlighted by preparing for my trip. I still have much to do before heading off; such as, revising my follow-on plan, planning lessons for the sub, finishing up some required JFMF reading, getting travelers checks, and doing much more research about Japan. There just aren't enough hours in the day!

To help my students become involved with my trip, I've been asking them to think of questions they have about Japan that they would like me to find the answers to. I've had lots of great, thoughtful questions coming in, and am looking for many more! I cannot guarantee that I will be able to answer all questions, but they will certainly provide an added focus as I explore the country. Please feel free to add to my collection of questions by leaving them in the comments section.

There has been so much focus on my part about the trip as an amazing adventure (which I'm sure it will be) that I need to keep reminding myself that it is far from being a vacation! Professional development is the linchpin of this experience as most of my time in Japan will be spent at seminars, lectures, and schools. I'm waiting impatiently to receive my itinerary so that I can plan for every precious free moment that I may have. My fellow travelers and I only get one free day to use as we choose, but I hope to take advantage of the evening hours after seminars and school visits are done for the day.