Adventure of a Lifetime

“Home is where your heart is”, this is a common quote that we keep on hearing when one talks about their home. Leaving your home is like saying goodbye to an old friend who’ll move somewhere far away.

Attending workshops, seminars, contests, and conventions for a week with your schoolmates is hard the first time, however once you get used to it the feeling becomes usual. Truth be told, I’m used to being away for a week or two from my parents, although not in another country. I started going to various places in the Philippines since 5th grade, without my parents and now that I’m doing it again and in another country, my emotions feel mixed. Is it possible to feel nervous, excited, scared, and independent all at the same time? Because that’s how I feel.

Going to Japan for the exchange program isn’t my first time traveling to Japan- it’s my second! I feel excited, since I missed Japan. What I loved most about Japan is their food and their culture. Japanese food is delicious, most of their food contains the right mix of sweetness, bitterness, and saltiness. All of which combine together to produce the foods that we love. As for their desserts, the sweetness of their desserts could not get any better. Japan is also known for their culture, in which a long and rich history of emperors are embedded in it. While walking around some famous spots or places in Japan, one cannot simply ignore the vast number of temples that are still intact and preserved. These architectures provides tourists an great overview to their colorful history. What I’m really excited about is getting to meet new friends during the 10 day exchange program.

The feeling of fear and anxiety is also present, since this would be my first time to leave the country without my parents, and for a good 11 days too! I feel anxious, since I’m still not used to how to things work in Japan (i.e. trains, streets, etc.) I guess you could say I’m scared to get lost (hopefully I won’t). These feelings in turn result to the feeling of independence, it’s not everyday you get the privilege to travel to another country as an exchange student. It’s an adventure and experience to say the least.

In spite of all these, what do I expect? I expect to have fun and gain new friends and experiences. I hope that this is going to be one of my many adventures in life that help shape who I will be in the future. This adventure of a lifetime is one adventure that I hope to treasure and will surely not be the last time!