By Alexander Mills アレックス ミルズ（あきのり）

 

Going to Japan was one of the best experiences of my life. I loved it there. The people were nice the weather was good and the overall look of the place was great. There is no one thing I like best about Japan because I loved it all, the trains, the narrow roads, the shops, and EVERYTHING. From the moment I arrived there I did not want to leave. On the last day I pondered the idea of not making it to the train and staying in Japan for an extended period of time. I felt as if I could forget everything I left behind in America and stay in Japan forever.

 

I loved Showa town. It is a nice little town. I enjoyed taking Mr. Kurioka’s dog for walks around the rice fields, helping him with gathering food from his garden, or enjoying dinner with his family.

 

My second Host family was also great. When I first met my host dad I was quite unsure how it was going to go. When we left the train station and got to his car we didn’t really speak for about 20 minutes. I was a little afraid to talk to him because I forgot how to say things in Japanese due to the nervousness, and I think that Mr. Matumoto was unsure of his English to talk to me. But we started talking about halfway to his home. The stay at his home was great. It was overwhelming at first but after awhile we all got used to each other. I liked playing PS2 with my 2nd host brother. He is a fun guy. I liked seeing the big Buddha and the money washing temple and the landmark tower was all fun. I miss that family.

 

The stay in Kyoto was really fun although I didn’t go to any temples on free day I had fun being lost. I made it back O.K. The 3rd host family was really fun to be with. When we were playing the game at the party when I had to put a kiss sticker on my face my host dad would try and put it on my crotch. The Hiroshima Peace Park was really fun I enjoyed and learned a lot at the museum. My host dad took Tony and me to a hot spring. Even though Tony wasn’t able to go in I had a good time at the springs even though I had to be nude.

 

My last day in Showa town was really fun. My host dad took me around the surrounding towns to shop for my friends and family back home. We ate at a Chinese restaurant for lunch. It was tasty food. The farewell Party was really fun. I like that Traditional musician. He was really good.

 

Anyway the trip was really fun and I would go again in a heartbeat.