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May 14, 2010
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Yaho!
Moshi-Moshi! Hey everyone!
Unbelievable to say to say that the last time I wrote was back in
February. It can’t seem to cross my mind that in 20 days from today
I’ll be flying back home to reality. My ten months in paradise will
soon come to an end once I step on that plane. Reality will smack me
in the face, when I notice reverse culture shock at home. Frankly,
there aren’t words to describe everything that I’ve learned while
aboard here nor to how thankful I am. It will break my heart when I
say my, “Sayonara, matta ne,” (Good-bye see you later/soon), but in
reality I’m ready to go back home as another person.
When I think
of the day I first came here, I remember a nervous, ready to explore
girl, shy, outgoing, willing, and strong-minded girl which just landed
from that plane on August 22, 2009. Fortunate enough, my mind was well
set on the right channel and I was ready for everything that would
come my way. The most embarrassing things happened to me more than
once, but yet I smiled as if it was a good thing. The first time I
ever freaked out was when I saw everyone eating with chop sticks, then
I realized I was in an Asian country. Seriously right than I was out
of place. Something else that seemed too hard to believe was the
thought of every family member taking a bath in the same water, Wow!
In a low toned voice with my slacking eigo-nihongo ( Japanese-English)
I would ask if it was alright to take a shower instead. My host
parents would say yes in this surprised way. How funny that is it to
remember all those times.
I’m one
lucky girl. In March, I changed to my first host family again. I’ve
got to admit that it sure was hard for me to say goodbye to my second
host parents L
Everything I did with them felt just as if I was back home. They would
let me act like myself, the same way I was back home. Most of my days
over there were the happiest ones I had. I would frequently sing to
them in English and Spanish, then joking around they would tell me to
sing in Japanese. Oh those days…
J
Our relationship became even closer when I had the opportunity to
travel with them as far as Paris and some parts in Spain. During the
time that I was there with them, I felt that this brick wall that was
between them and myself suddenly felt apart. A total plus on my side
because it turns out that after that trip a secure feeling grew
stronger between us.
On April,
weekend after weekend I went on different trips. I was so glad that I
went to Nagano, this small city and attended a festival that only
occurs every seven years. It was one fascinating festival which
involved a couple of trees and many strong men. I did the usual
sightseeing and omiyage kaimono (souvenir shopping) for the host
parents back home. On Golden week, the first week in May, I went with
my current host mom, sister, and brother to my host mom’s birth city,
Nagoya. During my stay in Nagoya, we met up with her family and did
various things. We had a barbecue the first day, sang some songs at a
karaoke box, went twice to onsen (hot springs), sightseeing around,
Nagoya Castle, to an amusement park, and the best of was that I spent
it with them. This was my last trip here in Japan. My next one will be
very soon. More to come until next time
J
Ja, matta ne,
Mely yori
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March 13, 2010
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Konichiwa!
Minna genki desu ka? Gomen nasai chotto osoi desu. Sorry everyone that
I haven’t updated in so long.
Wow can’t believe
how time has flown by in a heartbeat. It’s sad to say that I have
less than 1/3 of my exchange left. I have been very busy lately,
traveling, preparing things around the house, involved in Rotary
activities, and with my personal life. In these past three months that
I haven’t written a report there has been many things going on in my
life. It is unbelievable to see the changes that have taken place in
my life since last year. I could say that I have the biggest
blessings every.
Unbelievable as it
sounds, I got the opportunity to go to Spain for a week. I remember
back in November 29th, 2009, when I moved to my second host
family’s home, my host mother mentioned something about going to Spain
with her husband. This all happened while we were shopping for food to
make dinner that night. It only took for me to say; “I wish I could go
too”, then she looked at me and said, “We are going to Spain”. All I
could do at that moment of shock is just stare back and say, “Ok”.
Later that night, while I was having my first meal with my new host
parents, my host mother decided to mention the Spain trip to my host
father. As she was telling him about what she had decided to do, I
just minded my own business pretending that I didn’t understand
Japanese at all. My heart was having the biggest celebration ever, my
stomach was filled with make-believe butterflies, my hands were
sweaty, and I felt my face burning hot. He was fine with it after she
told him, and then we began to celebrate with champagne.
Let me go back in
time to New Years. I welcomed the New Year with my current host
mother, and my Cambodian host sister. We went to a Shrine 15 minutes
away by walking. At the Shrine, I prayed, meditated, ate an orange,
and had a traditional New Year’s drink. The fun didn’t last for too
long, by 1:00 a.m. I was already home. For the next three days, I ate
the same meal for breakfast. Eating the same food three days in a row
for New Year’s is traditional in Japan. I was absolutely fascinated
with the idea of eating the same thing. The meal had a variety of
foods such as, fish, soup, vegetables, eggs, rich cakes, beans, and
for dessert sweet potatoes and fruit. Luckily enough, my host parents
had a vacation for five days, so the next day we went to one of their
apartments in Central Okayama, which is about one hour away by car and
slept over. During our stay there, we shopped at the stores around
there, and went sightseeing to new places I have never been to before.
I took advantage of the opportunity took some pictures, and bought
some winter clothes.
On February 18th,
I went to Tokyo with my second host family. We took the famous
Shinkansen (bullet train) back and forth. I did a range of things
during my stay over there. On day one, immediately after arriving, we
went to Tokyo’s famous Disneyland. I thought that Disney Park was very
much like the one back home, so I felt like as if I was in Orlando. We
enjoyed our day there, but the best was yet to come. The next day, my
host parents surprised me with this bus tour all around Tokyo. On that
sightseeing bus, we toured to the best places in Tokyo. That same
night we went back home. Once again back to reality, a great reality.
This month I
will be changing homes. I will be moving back to my first host
family’s home. Things will be different from before, but I’m looking
forward to enjoying my music nights with my host father. At the end I
always think of everything happening for the right reason, so I smile.
At times I can’t believe I’m in this position. This has been the best
months of my life, thank you from the bottom of my heart to Rotary for
the best of the best always.
Much love
to everyone and enjoy the rest of your exchanges,
Mely
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December 23, 2009
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I can’t believe the holidays are
here. The winter season in Okayama Prefecture, Japan, is 100%
different compared to Florida’s winter season. The average weather
here since October has ranged from the 60’s to the 30’s. I’m not used
to this cold weather; therefore at times I get a sore throat and begin
to cough. I finally got to see snow for the first time in my life. It
was such a dream come true to witness the snow falling. I have been
praying for the longest time for it to snow. I can’t wait until I go
skiing with my first host family in January; fortunately my first host
father is professional at skiing. On November 29th, I moved
into my second host family’s home. On that same day I had many
surprises that awaited me. My host mother took me shopping for winter
clothes, to the supermarket, and later that night we went out for
dinner. I felt like it was my first day over again in Japan. Can’t
seem to understand how fast time passes by so quickly. Today, December
22, 2009, is my fourth month since I been here. Unbelievably enough
it’s true. I am very grateful for everything. This is a once in a
lifetime experience; therefore I take advantage of everything my host
families ask me to do with them. What I love most about Japan is that,
you will never feel bored because life here is always busy. I never
have time to think about anything that may bring me down, that’s a
plus. I am grateful that I haven’t felt homesick at all. At times I
remember the holidays in the U.S. I just live in the present and don’t
look back. Its nice how in America there is always some event going on
for every holiday. For example, this year I missed out on my yearly
Black Friday shopping and didn’t get to have Turkey this yet either.
Instead, I had another day. I remember how every year I would buy
everything I needed on Black Friday for Christmas and quickly filled
up the Christmas tree with gifts for all of my loved ones. It sure is
different here; there isn’t even a Christmas tree here or extreme
commercializing for things. Good thing that the days are flying by
quickly that soon I will be back in, The Sunshine State.
Every day I think about how
fortunate I am to be in the position I am in now. I am glad I got
chosen to be here because I’m living my life and getting to know
myself much better in a different perceptive. My friends here are
always available to answer my questions. I have made a few, but very
good ones. The Saturday before Thanksgiving Day, I cooked a Colombian
meal which my first host family got to eat. The meal that I made
included rice with beans, grilled chicken, soup, vegetables, and a mix
salad. Too bad the ingredients aren’t the same here, but I still tried
my best to make it happen. On November 30th, I went on a
yacht ride to a private island with my host parents and their friends.
We had a fish lunch and it was absolutely divine. The scenery was
absolutely breath-taking in which we sat and ate next to the shore
with a view to the orange-reddish mountains.
On December 15th, I went
out to a dinner with my Rotary Club and ate traditional winter food.
As always, I did my speech and had to make a little performance in
front of all of the Rotarian. It’s great that lately I been speaking
in front of crowds, because it helps me practice my public speaking
skills. I love how every time there is an activity here, I get to
speak Japanese and everyone understands even though I’m not great at
it. December has been flying by a little too quick. It’s almost the
New Year, and then there will only be five months left for me on my
exchange. Incredibly 33% of my exchange has passed by in a heartbeat.
There are times in which I sit on my bed and stare at the wall asking
myself, “How am I going to say my goodbyes to everyone?” It makes me
sick to death at the moment. Regardless of how different the holidays
are celebrated here, I still involve myself with everything and take
part. On the 17th, for the first time I went to a Hand
bell concert. They played the traditional American Christmas songs. I
was called on stage to play the Hand bell. The melody was so sweet
that it made me feel emotional for a couple of minutes. I closed my
eyes and thought I was back home, then I opened them and realized it
was another day in Japan. At the Hand bell concert, everyone dressed
up with semi-formal clothes. After the concert, my host parents took
me to a traditional Japanese restaurant and ate so many types of fish
you could ever imagine. I notice myself addicted to Green Tea, I
always need it now. I drink it at least three times a day with every
meal. In America, I would always make faces at Tea and say I would
never drink that. It’s funny how I wouldn’t do many things before and
now I do them.
For the first time in my life, I
feel like a princess. I have never gotten so many presents from people
I just met. That is common here within most people in Japan. On the
20th, my host parents took me to Universal Studios Japan,
in Osaka, for my Christmas present. Even though they don’t celebrate
Christmas here they still managed to please me by taking me to
something Americanized. We left the house early Sunday morning. We
took the Shinkansen which is my all times favorite. The Shinkansen is
a high velocity train. It is common to take it the Shinkansen when you
need to get somewhere quickly or traveling far. Today December 23,
2009, I will have a semi Americanized Christmas Party, and I will be
the main chief of the evening. My host mom made a homemade cake, my
host father made some rice cakes, and we will also have some Cambodian
guests over. Can’t wait for later!!!
Sayonara,
Mely |
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November 11, 2009
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My inspirational journal
I have no regrets to have come to Japan. Three
months have already passed into my exchange here. The fall season here
is awe to my eyes. The season change is different in every way
compared to Florida. It is my first time ever to see the leaves change
colors from green to yellow, orange, red, and brown It is priceless
to ride along the train, listen to smooth jazz, and look at nature
that sounds me all around.
I didn’t get the country of my choice but, at the
end of the day it isn’t all about getting the country that you wanted.
You begin to realize that once you fall in love with your new
surroundings and life. As I say, “Nothing is ever easy.” Perseverance
is the key to a successful exchange. As I turn into a young adult, I
can notice the change in me each and every day more, and more. At
times, I feel as if I didn’t know who I really am anymore. So, I
meditate for a couple of minutes to clear my mind off, and continue my
day as smooth as possible.
While on my exchange, life has taught me many
things in a short period of time. From life changing experiences to
tough lessons learned. At the end, I see the tough lessons learned as
something positive in my life because, it’s all a stage in which we
must go through. I feel very fortunate to be here regardless of the
pain I have encountered because of culture differences.
During these three months, I have learned the
hard way that my family is and will always be #1 in my life. At some
point during my early teenage days, I was one rebellious girl that
didn’t value anything, and viewed life as a joke. Ungrateful with
everything treated my loved ones as nothing. Thankfully enough, this
exchange has changed my life forever. Today, my mind is tuned to
positive thinking, my heart opens a little more each day, helping the
ones in need, expanding my knowledge, accepting everything as a stage
I must go through, and the most important thing is my family; my
greatest treasure ever.
In this journal, I have expressed many personal
things from the past. Hopefully, this changes someone’s attitude for
good. Time is gold for me, so I must go now. Please be safe and take
care.
Until next time,
Mely
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November 2, 2009
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Things I witness in Japan
-inside the train everyone
looks their own way
-most teens are extremely hyper
at school, no matter what time of the day it is
-whenever there is sunshine,
they cover themselves very well to prevent from getting a tan
-most students travel at least
one hour to and from school by train
-Japanese students dedicate
themselves to studying very hard, Saturdays and Sundays too
-the majority of Japanese
students DON’T start dating until they are in college
-the common form of
transportation here is by train
-city people tend to be in more
of a hurry than country people
-most country people are
heart-warming
-Japanese people LOVE to share
-small portions are used for
everything
-the Japanese diet is by far
the healthiest of all
-the crime rate here is
extremely low
-most people are shy here
-Japanese show a strong
interest for foreigners
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October
16, 2009
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Let me begin with… I love Japan!
It is unbelievable to
witness how every minute flies by so quickly. It has been over a month
since I first arrived to my host country, and already been through
many stages. The changes I have made both physically and emotionally
have become noticeable at this point of my exchange. The lack of
dependence from both my mother and father makes me a better and
stronger person as the days pass by. I feel very privileged at my host
parents’ home because I feel like one of them in every sense. I am
blessed to have everything that has been given to me. My natural
parents back home support me, love me, and are there for me no matter.
My comfort zone here is as if I was back home, so good to be true. I
love when my host parents brag about how great I am. I give them a
cute smile, then, blush. As time passes by, more and more memories are
being built forever; the best memories I shall say. The simplest
things reward me in every way; for example, helping out the elder at
the train stations, giving the people a smile, and seeing things in a
positive way. Fortunately, homesickness has NOT struck me, and hoping
it will not get to me.
In less than two months, I have
visited various places. On a special trip I took to Hiroshima, with my
school teacher and friend made me see the world in different eyes now.
It was unbelievable to me getting up close to the Atomic Bomb
Memorials; I immediately felt the shivers to think something that
horrid could ever happen, and how it was after wards. The best part of
traveling is the transportation method. I take the Shinkansen
(Japanese Bullet Train) whenever I travel long distance. I have never
been on such a comfortable train in my life. It feels as fast and
powerful as an airplane yes for that one. Sometimes, I can’t believe
America doesn’t have the technology Japan has, seriously! It is the
funniest thing every time I see a Shinkansen, I say it’s my boyfriend
and shout out bye-bye.
Recalling back when I first
arrived to Japan, I went to a store and got so stressed out to see how
expensive it is to buy a simple pencil. When I look at the
bright-side, I have already become more adjusted to the prices and
have learned how to manage my monthly allowance well. Japanese teenage
girls get entertained easily. I LOVE that about them. That would NEVER
happen in America, because we always make everything hard and get
bored easily. So, on October 12th, I turned 19 years old. I
already feel so old. Had a blast the whole day, luckily there was no
school that day, so instead I went shopping and got a few things.
Until next time…
J
Take Care (Kiotsukete)
Mely |
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August 25,
2009
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I can't believe
that time has flew by so quick that I'm already in such a beautiful
country. I always remember as a video that keeps playing in my head
the day Mr.Kalter told me I news from Japan had just arrived. Just
there I felt the compund of emotions hitting me from head to toes. I
didn't know whether to scream because of joy or to cry because I was
leaving. I remember when I watch this Japanese scary movie, and that
same night I had a dream that I was speaking Japanese; what a quick
transition I just made there.
In the month of July I traveled around
to many places, but just couldn't wait to leave regardless of how much
fun I was having. Packing sure was easy, despite of me being a girl.
Both of my luggages only weighed 40 lbs.
I departed from Miami airport
August 21st. I must admit that it has been one sad day. I recall
seeing both of my parents, and step-parents crying so much after I
hugged them and still at that moment it hadn't hit me yet.
The flight
Miami to Chicago was a smooth one accompanied by Michael Anderson,
also outbound to Japan. My first smile of the day was when Grant
Simon, outbound to Japan hugged me and said we are going to be living
so close to each other, I immediately responded, "what a dream come
true," and after that my whole trip was filled with nothing else but,
happiness and thankfulness for everything.
It was an amazing feeling
to see all of these exchange students talking to each other at the
airport all departing all over Japan. Once again, I sat by Michael
Anderson the whole 13 hours to Tokyo. After departing from Chicago, an
our later, the airplane instantly became chaotic because of all the 20
exchange students just up and down that plane filled with mixed
emotions, because in just 13 hours their new lives was about to take a
360 degree turn. I thought to my self, " I am more than ready."
My
arrival to the Narita airport in Tokyo, was better than I would of
ever thought. The lines and craziness weren't as much as I was told.
Grant and myself each paid 3000 yens to take a public bus from Narita
airport to Haneda airport. It took about one hour and 30 minutes to
get from one airport to the other. After arriving to Haneda airport
our wait time was 3 hours. Time actually went by so quick good thing
because I just couldn't wait until I meet my new host parents, which
by the way are just the best of the best.
My stomach was filled with
butterflies when, I saw my host mother and sister jumping up and down
filled with joy to see me with a big sign that says, "Welcome Mely,"
with my all time favorite Tweety bird drawn. I am currently living at
Yurika Ozaki's house (09-10 Inbound in Florida). The drive from
Okayama airport to Takahashi City was about one hour. My dinner that
night was vanilla ice cream mmmmmm how delicious. I began
school September 1st and can't wait :) Since my arrival to beautiful
Takahashi City, I been getting to know the city and am just impressed
with how kawaii (cute) it is.
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What a dream come true |
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