By Benjamin Speckien ベンスペキーン (よしひで）

Back in eighth grade we had to pick a language that we would take in high school. One language stood out from the usual Spanish, French, and German. I wanted to take Japanese because it was so different and there would be a real live Japanese person teaching the class.

Over the next four years we learned Japanese culture and language. Some of it seemed strange, like tossing beans at a person in a mask and the toilets, and some of it seemed very interesting, like the high school life and the food. Nothing could have prepared me for actually stepping off the plane and entering the Land of the Rising Sun.

The small cars, the small streets, the crowds, the bright lights, the lack of litter, the lack of trashcans, all the kanji, and all the strange English made my head spin. It was hard to say if it was different because we weren’t used to a big city or because it was a foreign country. I think it was a little of both.

I was surprised how nice people were everywhere. My host families treated me as a spoiled grandkid; making me all the food I wanted and buying me lots of presents. It was hard not letting it all go to my head. Even the people on the street would go 10 minutes out of their way to give you directions. A lady with two loud kids at the bus stop saw us staring at the schedule and asked if we needed help. A big smile came across her face when we answered in Japanese. That was when I realized I’m glad I took Japanese and studied hard in school.

The best part about the trip was just sitting down and trying to have a conversation with someone. It was difficult but we always shared ideas and managed to get our points across.

I had a great time in Japan and would like to go back. I want to see it in the winter and I would like to go to Okinawa. I would also like to visit my host families again. Maybe I could talk my family into going.

The Showa International Friendship Association really did a great job with everything and I appreciate all their effort.

Thanks