Lately, I have been feeling really rushed, and that I just am not going to have enough time to do everything I want to do! In addition to this, my Japanese has been getting a lot better, but by the time I leave it is not going to be at the level I would like. It just feels like you are counting down the days as soon as you get here. A single semester is just too short! Recently, I've been discussing this with other exchange students who are only here for a semester and they agree. So, anyone who is considering doing study abroad in the future, I highly recommend it, and I also recommend that you go for en entire year. Its definitely some scary stuff, but as far as I can tell it is not dramatically affecting people's live here in Tokyo. In fact, there is a lot of criticism aimed at the Japanese government for downplaying and even covering up the reality of what is actually going on up there.
However, it is clear that the situation up there is not getting much better. Basically, the Fukushima is an afterthought to many of us, at least the students here. But, it is what it is, and I knew some sacrifices were going to have to be made when I decided to come to Japan during such a hectic time.Īnd I don't want to forget to mention the Tokyo perspective on the ongoing Fukushima Power Plant issues. Don't get me wrong, its gonna be great not having to wake up at 7am every morning, but I am gonna miss a lot of the daily interactions with the students here at Sophia. A lot of people are happy about this, but I'm not too thrilled. Well done Kele.Īlso, I am not sure if I mentioned this before, but the school year is ending about 2 weeks early here at Sophia in order to save electricity. I gotta say, it was great! Very elegant, very smooth. One of the UH students, Kele, even performed a hula dance. For the past few weeks they have really been on us UH kids to come and represent. Speaking of Hawaii, yesterday, a student organization hosted a "Hawaiian Culture Party" or something like that. Living in Hawaii has really not even prepared me for this LOL It probably 80 degrees at night, pretty ridiculous. Everyone in Japan knew it was coming, and we were all dreading it. Well, over the course of a week, the weather has gone from mediocre and rainy, to unbearably hot and humid. So time is winding down here in Japan and it is really sad! I just want to reiterate, if you are considering doing a study abroad program, go for a year! However, I have had such a great time so far.and I still have a month, so its not quite time for reflecting. Ok enough with the cheesy life lessons, gotta get back to practicing for tomorrow's concert. After all, there is so much to learn from each other! Its a great honor, and I hope it will help them warm up to the next batch of exchange students more quickly. My friends from this circle have even told me that as long as they have been a member, no exchange student has gotten close to knowing them as I have. I see many instances where this initial bridge is not crossed and as a result many misconceptions about one another remain. However, it's a gap that when bridged, opens up so many deeper and frankly more interesting cultural insights. The "shy" factor, as I call it, is the biggest difference between the US and Japanese culture. As soon as I got close with a couple people in the circle, the metaphoric "Warning Label" was lifted off of me, and others felt like they could actually talk to me! However, as we got to know each other (and they figured out I wasn't a crazy Gaijin, well not completely crazy at least) they opened up and BOOM all of a sudden everyone was an English speaker (slight exaggeration). They were very shy at first (a common trait here in Japan) and were very hesitant to use their English skills. First off, I didn't know that so many of them could speak English. I cannot emphasize enough how good of company these people are, and it is kind of funny reflecting on my relationships with them a mere 4 months ago when I first arrived. Its going to be my last hurrah on stage with a lot of my friends from this music "circle".
I will post pictures when I get a chance. I'm playing in 4 bands, got a lot to memorize tonight, but I am looking forward to it. Tomorrow is my last concert here at Sophia University. (Sorry, my next few posts until I leave are probably going to keep mentioning how sad I am to be leaving.) Yeah, I'm sad its all winding down, but in a good way.