Since I only just now figured out how I'm going to show the pictures I've taken so far, I thought for now I'd just write about the journey to my host family and random stuff I learned along the way. Please keep in mind that what I write in here is based upon my experiences and opinions. What I write in here does not apply to Japan as a whole, and includes only what I have come in contact with and my thoughts so far. As the year progresses my viewpoints could change as well. Also please note that, as I'm am no longer using English outside of this blog, my English will mostly likely get worse as time passes. I think that's about everything, so I'll move on to the trip to my host family.

In case there are those of you wondering about what an 11 and a half hour plane ride is like, I'd be happy to share. The first word I can come up with to describe it is, of course, long. Also, when sitting next to another person for that long, all your reservations go away. I ended up shamelessly sleeping in awkward positions, like with my my forehead smashed against the tray extending from the seat in front of me. I read the letters some of my friends and family gave me as well, but because I'm so manly, I unexpectedly didn't cry at all. (Though a week later my manly exterior cracked and I cried a bunch. I just love you guys too much!)

Setting the plane ride aside, the airport in Japan was really cool. The bus stop place was so nice compared to what I had previously experienced in the airport back in America. There was a wide space of land with which to stand on while waiting for a bus, and even though it was still daytime, there was no competition between the buses and taxi for a spot to pick up passengers. Even customs and such was quick and painless.

After arriving in Japan, I spent a lot of time with the other exchange students from all different countries. At the place we stayed, I also experienced my first communal bath. I didn't really know what to do or where to go though. That's when I came up with my new motto: I embarrass myself today, so that I won't tomorrow. This way of thinking has helped me a lot these past weeks. In other words, entering into a different culture than your own involves some embarrassment. For those of you curious about the correct procedures in a Japanese communal bath: (This is based upon my observations, instructions given to me, and may not apply to every communal bath.) First, bring clothes to change into and two towels, one big and one small, into the changing room. Shampoo and such is not needed as it is already provided, unless you have allergies in which case bring your own products. Leave your clothes, including the ones you're wearing, and the big towel in one of the baskets (or lockers) in the changing room. You can use the small towel for covering yourself and enter the bathing room with it. If a showering station is open, sit down at one and wash yourself. Once finished cleaning yourself, enter the big bath with the others. You must not get any soap into the big bath so make sure to rinse off well. Also, you should tie your hair up to prevent any from getting into the bath. Of course, after that you dry yourself and change in the changing room. This also applies to most onsen (hot springs) as well. Now that I've explained everything, none of you readers should feel embarrassed if you ever come in contact with a communal bath, right?

I also used washiki toire (squat toilets) while I was there. It really isn't something to gasp about. Even after the first time, it felt very normal. You just face the hood of it, squat and go. No big deal.

Wow, this has turned into a long toilet and bath explanation. Don't worry, I'm done. For now.

Random observations along the way:

-It's really hard to take pictures when in a vehicle because there are so many tall barriers along the sides of the roads.

-I normally hold my breath and make a wish when going into tunnels, but the ones I went through in Japan are so long that I'd probably die if I did.

-”Peanut cream” as what what written on the package, is way different from peanut butter. It's sweeter, creamier, and lighter.

-Mori no Ike (Concordia College language village camp) prepared me for this way more than I could have imagined.

-It's normal not to have paper towels in public bathrooms sometimes.

-It's normal in houses and hotels to not have soap in the toilet room. (oops, I ended up talking about toilets and bathrooms again.)

The time I spent with the other exchange students was really fun, and I ended up learning a lot about different cultures. For example, I learned that in Malay they greet each other with “Have you eaten?” I also received a sucker made with goat milk from another exchange student, among other things.

I think that even if you preach about everyone being one as humankind, if you don't ever come into contact with people other than of your own country, you can't truly feel the meaning of those words. After living, eating, and bathing together with people from all different countries, I can tell you that I strongly feel that I am a citizen of the world. That experience really opened my eyes. I don't think I'll ever forget the friends I made there.

To Be Continued~