The Adventure Begins!

by Bob

It's only been a few days since I found out that I was selected to go to Japan, but already it seems like so much has happened! It seemed like such a longshot that I would be selected, that I hadn't really done much research into the details of what would happen on the trip. I just knew that it would be an opportunity to stay in Japan for about three weeks and be exposed to the culture in the hopes that we become "ambassadors" for Japanese culture in the US. As soon I was I started sharing the news of my selection, people started asking for specifics and I just didn't know the answers!

I've been doing some searching and and have found blogs of previous participants, and that has helped a lot. Obviously, the program's official site has been heplful as well. So, for those of you who want some more info, let me share of of the links and informational snippets.

Here's a previous participant's blog with some photos.

Here's another blog with great detailed daily descriptions.

This lady has a nice blend of photos and jounaling.

One more. I really hope I get to go to the plastic food factory.

Basically, it looks like I start out with an orientation day in San Fransisco, then it's off to Tokyo for about four days. There will be 200 program participants. Then, together with a group of about 19 other Americans, we will get sent out to a prefecture (like "states" in the US) where we will do our actual visiting of schools, universities, cultural sites, etc. I will also stay with host family in their home for a weekend. Then it's back to Tokyo for a few more days, then back home.

I am so excited, nervous, and overwhelmed!

I've already checked out two books on Japan & Japanese from the library, bought a book, and bought Instant Immersion CDs. But let me tell you, learning the language is not going to be easy. I'm also being reminded of the fact that I am a visual learner. I'm not doing so well just hearing it spoken, I need to see some sort of visual representation as well. So far, all I've got is "good morning/afternoon/evening" and "I am called."

I think the most important thing for me to learn to say is "Where do you keep your cheeseburgers?"

I'll keep you posted as I continue to prepare for this trip. It seems like a long way off, but I know it will be here soon. I'm going to do everything I can beforehand to make sure that I get the most out of this amazing opportunity.