Well, school has begun.  In the packet we had to read before arriving in Japan said that the instructors were going to be stricter and teach differently then we are use to.  I was not sure exactly what that meant, so I was really looking forward to how school was going to go.  After...

So many of you have been asking about the weather in Japan and if I have felt any earthquakes so I thought I would put it in one little posting for all of you to read.   As far as the weather is concerned, it has been raining constantly for the past 3 days.  It switches from sprinkling to...

So yesterday was the first free day that we have had on this entire packed program.  It was totally worth it.  I went to bed early and slept until 10.  Which means that I missed breakfast but I didn't care. I still had left over food from the night before so I just ate that instead....

I realized that I never posted anything yesterday.  It was intentional.  I just needed the day to rest and relax.  I was not feeling so well from the day before.  Yesterday morning was the first day I had to sleep in longer than usual.  Normally we have been waking up early...

When I woke up this morning I decided that I would have an American breakfast because soba and miso are a bit harsh foods to have right in the morning.  I understand now why Japanese people don't usually eat breakfast.  I also learned that I only like hard boiled eggs.  Any other...

Once we arrived at the Green Hotel in Takayama, we were given instructions on proper etiquet on how to act in a ryokan (traditional Japanese style inn).  You must remove your shoes and either walk around barefoot or with socks once you enter in the room.  The hotel was a very traditional...

Konichiwa!!   Hello! Hoow is everyone today? Well, sorry I haven't updated sooner but Japan is not a wifi society so I have limited access to the internet, plus I have been very busy busy busy.     I hardly slept the nigh before because I was so anxious.  And after a total of 16...

If you were wanting to have contributed money but either forgot or never got the chance, you still can!  Just send the amount you wish to donate in the form of an international money order to: STUDENT NAME (Please remember to include this!!) c/o CIEE Study Center Sophia...

    As the time draws near for me to depart on my epic journey across the Pacific Ocean, I am sure most of you are wondering if this dream is about to reach reality or not.  I am pleased to tell you that this dream will in fact come true. :D  The good part of everything is, I do...

    I am glad adult figure skating exists.  It allows those who want to skate without the intense training yet still have the competition.  Recently though, I have been feeling quite down about my figure skating.  I have an issue of always thinking about what might have...