Emma エマ

Today I woke up and finished my thank you letters. Then, I ate breakfast, which was pancakes ! I put yuzu jam on it, which was tasty ! Yuzu is like lemons and oranges, but Japanese. Then I had to say goodbye to Papa, because he had to go to the hospital so he wasn't able to come to the train station. We took a bunch of pictures, and I told Papa thank you and goodbye. Then we drove to the train station. Mizuki cried on the way there.

Once we reached the train station, we took many pictures together. Mizuki cried again. It was so sad and hard to say goodbye to everyone, but I know I will see them again someday ! Once we said goodbye, we headed to the train platform, and got on the train when it arrived. I ended up taking a nap. We had another train, and I didn't end up doing work on their either...

When we got to the airport, we broke up into two groups to get lunch. One group watched the luggage, while the other got lunch. I was in the second group. Once it was our turn to get lunch, we went to 7 Eleven. I got two onigiri and then some bread. We headed back to the luggage area, and then I ate my lunch. The onigiri was really good. Then, when I bit into the bread, it ended up have a filling ! Some was filled with chocolate pudding, some with vanilla pudding, and some with red bean paste. They we tasty ! Then we checked in, and checked our luggage. Next, we had some time for shopping. I got Tokyo Banana KitKats, some pens, washi tape, and a notebook for Muji. Then I got some postcards from a bookstore, but I was short on money ! Owen gave me a dollar which was really nice of him. I then used my last money to give Owen exact change.

Next, we went through security, and I think I accidentally went in the TSA Precheck line, because it was a lot shorter, and it was just a metal detector, while the other line was much longer, and had a normal scanner... Oops... oh well. Once through security, we headed to our gate, and I was able to get ice cream which I had been asking for ! Thanks Owen for buying some from the vending machine ! Then, I handed out Mitchell's treats and the letters I wrote for everyone on the trip. They were so thankful ! Lulu then got me some matcha ice cream, because she's great !

After that, we boarded the plane. Most of the time I worked on my Othello stuff, but I also slept and ate. Also, the flight attendants on the plane were really weird. One asked if me and Owen were travelling alone, because we were sitting farther than the other students, and we said no we were travelling with a group, and she said she knew where they lived... which was weird. Then when she was pushing the drink cart and there was a little turbulence, and she said Oh My God. But she's a flight attendant... Then, right as we were about to land, there was another plane on the runway, so we had to go back up. A flight attendant told Lulu that it had never happened before... but VK said he's been on a flight where it happened. So not sure what that was about. But it was good to be home ! We went through customs, got our baggage, then I met my dad ! It was so good to see him again after so long. I said thanks and goodbye to VK, and goodbye to some other students, and then headed home !

Today is my last full day in Japan :( We started off again with breakfast and then driving to school, because once again, the train was stopped from snow. Once we got to school, we practiced for our presentations. Two presentations were during first period, and two were during third period. Ours was during third. However, two people that were supposed to present during first period were running late because of the trains, so their group was moved to third, and one of the third period groups was moved to first.

Both of the groups were really good ! The first was about American geography, and they had a jeopardy game for the students to play. However, their were issues with technology, so it was a little challenging. The second group was about art and fashion. Then, we broke up into different rooms to listen to five Japanese presentations. They were all so good at speaking English !

Next, it was time for our presentation ! It was about American folk tales and fairy tales. First, we explained Paul Bunyan. Then, we compared the Wizard of Oz to a Japanese folk tale called Momotaro. After that, we explained Mad Libs, and did an example Mad Libs with the Wizard of Oz. Then, we broke into 5 groups, and had the Japanese students do a Mad Libs with Momotaro. The Japanese students loved it ! We read the five Mad Libs to the students, and they laughed so much ! Then the second group went, which was about dance. They taught the kids a dance, and we all did it together. Then we broke up into different rooms again, and listened to five more Japanese presentations. Once again, they were so good at English !

Then we ate lunch. It was fun to eat lunch with the Japanese students again. Then, we had a break, which I was sad about because I wanted to do math with the Japanese students again. Then, we had world history, which once again I didn't understand. Next, we had our farewell party. We all headed to the gym. First, a Japanese student had a speech. Then, one of the KJ teachers made a speech. Next, six Evanston students made speeches, including me ! It was pretty scary being on the stage in front of everyone, but I'm really proud of myself ! Lastly, we were presented with certificates that said we had been at KJ for the week. It was so nice of them ! Then, we went back to the classroom, and cleaned, then listed to homeroom announcements.

After school, we headed to the train station via bus. However, the trains were stopped again ! I bought some ice cream from a vending machine to eat while we waited for Mizuki's mom to pick us up. We all hung out at the train station, and had a lot of fun. Emmet's student, Haruka, is coming to Chicago, so we started chanting Chicago, and then said Sydney is bad, because that's where a lot of the students are going. Finally, Mizuki's mom came, and we drove home with Emmet and Haruka. Then we went to Purikura, which is the Japanese photo booths. We took one with the four of us, and then Owen, Kose, Brendan, and Sota showed up, so we took one with all eight of us. It was struggle to fit us all in, but it was fun !

Then we headed home and made tacoyaki ! They are fried dumplings with octopus. They were so tasty ! We also had oden, which is like a soup thing that was yummy. After dinner, I took a bath, then hung out with Mizuki and her family as our last night. Next, I went to bed because I was really tired, but first I started on my thank you letters. But I fell asleep in the middle.

Today was a great last full day. It was really fun, and I can't believe it's over ! Japan has been amazing. Thank you so much !

Today we started off the day with breakfast, and driving to school because the trains were still stopped. Once at school, we waited until it was time to leave for our excursion.

The excursion started with a short tour around Uonama. A kind women, along a man who is a ski instructor that acted as her translator, brought us around the town. She showed us many highlights, including a model of a Edo period home, and a praying area. She also brought us to a sake shop, even though we were too young to have any. Lili wanted to buy some for her dad, and was sad she was't able to.

After the tour, we went to a very famous ryokan called Ryugon. There, we were served tea with sweets. Then, we went on a tour and were shown the most expensive room, along with the onsen and garden. We were able to go in an igloo in the garden, and when we came back inside, we were served 甘酒 (amazake) which is sweet, nonalcoholic sake. It was really tasty. I guess I looked cold, because the teacher put a warm coat on me that the ryokan had. We hung out drinking our hot amizake for a bit. Then, it was time to leave.

Next, we went to Muikamachi, another town, and had lunch. Our group ended up going to a ramen shop, and I got wonton ramen that was sooooo good. Sadly, we didn't have time to explore the town, and I kept asking everyone to let me know if they saw a bread shop because I looooovvvveeeee bread. After lunch, we went to a shopping mall. I bought a cookie monster pencil because it's cute ! Also, I found a bread place ! Me and Owen split a panda bread that was filled with cream. YUM ! Additionally, I bought some sweets to bring home from the grocery store at the mall.

Then, we headed back to KJ and prepared for our presentations. We clarified all our speaking parts, and the practiced. We weren't able to practice the whole thing, but we felt pretty good. Then, we headed home. But first, we stopped at コンビニ (7 Eleven) and bought some ice cream and mochi filled with ice cream.

When we got home, the table was moved, and the kotatsu was moved downstairs. Mizuki and I ate our mochi and did homework at the kotatsu, which is literally the best thing ever. It is a heated table with a blanket covered on top of it, so the heat is kept inside. Why doesn't America have these tables ?? Then I took a bath, and then we had dinner, which was so good, as always ! Then I did homework and then went to bed.

Once again, a great day in Tokamachi ! Loving it here in Japan, and it's soon coming to an end, which is making me sad.

Today I thought I woke up late, but it ended up being okay. For breakfast, we had sandwiches for breakfast, with ham, cucumbers, and cream cheese. They were good. They we left for school. They dropped me off at the train station, because as a class we were going to Ueda High School, to meet the students we had been talking to for half a year. Mizuki walked me in, and we found Jack and we were all good. Then, me and Jack found Owen and we waited for the train together. When the train came, we all got on to get to Nagano.

When we reached Nagano, all the Ueda students were waiting for us with signs ! It was so cute ! Then we went to their school to introduce ourselves to each other. It was fun to learn about all the Japanese students. Then we played a game, like When the Wind Blows, which is when you say something and then any one who follows that statement has to get up and find a new seat. It was really fun.

Then, we went shopping. We went to the shopping mall, and first we went to the １００円 store (dollar store), I bought some candy, and also a funny face for Sensei. After that, we went to an arcade. I played a fishing game, but was unsuccessful. Then we played air hockey, but me and Uriah lost to the two Japanese girls. Then, me and three Japanese girls did a プリクラ (photo booth) which was really fun. However, it makes me look really creepy. Then I went to a stationary store, where I bought stickers and highlighters.

After that, it was time for lunch. We had soba (YUM) which Nagano is famous for. 美味しかった！(Delicious!) We hung out for a while at the lunch place, shared Line, Instagram, and took selfies together. It was really fun !

Then we went back to the school and worked on a scrapbook that they are going to send to us. Then we had to say goodbye, after taking a photo together. I handed out my omiyage, which was American candy (Reese's, York's, and carmal with cream in the middle). They were so thankful ! Then we went to the shinkansen and went home. When we got to Ursea station we waited for our students. Mizuki came, and Naoki left for Tokyo. We said goodbye to him, then went home.

When we got home, we had some tea, and then I took a bath. Then I worked on some homework, and then it was time for dinner. We had Italian, which was pasta. It was good. Then I continued to work on homework. Mizuki brought down some origami paper, and I made a crane. I made it differently, and they thought it was really funny. Then I made my standard design thing, and they were so impressed. Then I did some more homework, and went to bed.

Today I woke up a little bit later, because it snowed a lot the past night, so Mama drove us to school. There was so much snow that the trains were stopped. As Papa said, the trains are "fragile". We had breakfast, which was rice with fish and miso. Delish as always. Then Mama drove us to school, and Naoki came with. He played some of his music, which started with American music, and then he played Japanese music, which was fun to hear. However, I fell asleep during the drive, and Mizuki did too.

When we got to school, I went to the meeting room, which was really cold because we couldn't figure out how the heat worked. Eventually we got it on and the room heated up. We also figured out the hot water, so I made some hot tea to warm up. Then all the Evanston kids started showing up, and we hung out while the KJ students took their small test, which they have every day.

Then we went to the first class, which was world history. I didn't understand, and ending up drawing instead. Mizuki fell asleep, and I woke her up. Next was break, so we went back to the meeting room and hung out. I ended up taking another nap, and when I woke up I had red spots on my face from sleeping. Then we had English, which was really fun. My buddy for the day was Hanaho, so I sat next to her and helped her with English. First, we went around trying to find someone who had met someone famous, climbed a tall mountain, and tried an extreme sport. I couldn't find anyone who had climbed a tall mountain, but did find a girl who tried skydiving, and another who had met a famous Japanese comedian. Then, we looked at their vocab list. The Evanston students made a little quiz for the KJ students by writing sentences with blanks that were vocabulary words. That was pretty fun. Then we had to read a passage out loud to a group of KJ students, and they answered questions. After English, they had more world history, and I ended up drawing again. Then it was lunch time, which was really fun. We asked the KJ students about who the cutest / handsomest American and Japanese students were. It was funny to hear their answers. Mizuki said she liked Max, which I found funny. Also, they thought I was dating Emmet, so I had to be like "No, just friends".

After lunch, I went to art wit Hanaho while Mizuki had music. In art, the KJ students were painting scenes from photographs. Me and Cati drew our feelings about four different songs, and then chose one to draw bigger. I ended up making a beach, from the song Beach by San Cisco. The KJ students asked what song it was, and I said Beach, but they didn't know it. San Cisco is legit my favorite band though. After that, I wrote エマ (Emma) and decorated it. Then I drew ぐでたま (gudetama, a Japanese character that is an adorbs egg). Next, it was almost the end of the class, so I just talked with KJ students, which was fun. Also, art was two periods which was the bomb.com. Evanston High School: follow suit ! Literally every day after art we are like "this should be a double period". At the end of the class, I gave my drawings to the art teacher, and she hung them up ! Made me so proud ! Then, she gave me and Cati fans that all the students had decorated. Mine said Emma Estberg, and then had kanji for Emma which was 絵眞. I asked the meaning, and the first kanji means picture, while the second means truth. I like that. Also, it makes me happy to have kanji for my name becayse Mitchell has kanji for his name, and then I was like ooh I want some, but he said someone else has to give it to you. And now I have it ! There was also a camera drawing, which was really good ! Then, all the students signed their names. Thanks so much !

Next, we had practice for our presentations, but it was kind of hard because we didn't have wifi, and we all distract each other and Sensei wasn't there to keep us on task. We ended up using a hotspot (thanks Uriah ! ) for wifi, which worked, but we still distracted each other (oops ! ). After that it was time to clean the classroom, which Japanese students do every day. America once again, follow suit ! Saves the school money and makes kids respect the classroom. After that, we thought we were going to debate, but it turns out they didn't have it. So then we went to the train station via bus to go home. However, when we got there, the trains weren't going because of the snow ! So we just hung out and waited for Mama to pick us up.

Today I had to wake up early, 5:30, to get to KJ on time. We had breakfast, which was rice with fish and miso. Once again, delicious. Then we were off to school. Mama drove us to the train station, and we took two trains. Emmet and his student took the same train, and it was fun to see Emmet and meet all of Mizuki's school friends. Once we got of the second train, we took a bus to KJ. I saw a couple of students that I knew because they came to Evanston, so that was fun !

Once we got to KJ, we went to the meeting room and hung out while our students did other stuff. Then it was time for the school assembly to welcome us. We walked to the gym, where all the KJ students were. We walked up to the stage, and then the principal had a speech. Then Marisa did her speech in Japanese, which was really good ! She was AMAZING ! Then Sensei had his speech. After that, the KJ students gave us all gifts ! So kind of them !

After the assembly, we went back to the meeting room, and then we went to another room where UNESCO club presented to us. Mizuki is a part of UNESCO, so I got to see her present in English. The presentation was about KJ life and Japanese culture. It was very interesting. They gave us カイロ (hand warmers) and then we did the 鬼は外福は内 thing again, this time throwing them at three Evanston students, and we threw peanuts. One of the students is allergic to peanuts, so it seemed like a bad idea to throw them at him, but he assured us it was okay. It was very fun.

Then back to the meeting room until our host students came and got us. Then I went to class. First, we had Japanese. I did not understand it all, but a KJ students said she also didn't understand, so that made me feel better. I ended up drawing throughout Japanese (sorry VK). Then it was science. We did redox reactions, which I really like so that was fun. Thanks Gatch for teaching me well ! After that was break, and we went back to the meeting room to hang out. Then it was lunch time. We ate inside the classroom. I had a bento which was yummy, and Mama had packed a bunch of sweets for afterwards. Delish. Then it was time for a cultural exchange with 3rd years, so Mizuki brought me to the meeting room. However, they never came to get us, so we ended up just hanging out again. Then it was English, which I thought would be really interesting, but it ended up being English grammar, so they were learning phrases like as if. Not so interesting. Then lastly, math. They were doing fractions, which seemed really weird to me. They were converting fractions to decimals, which I don't know why anyone would do. One, fractions are wayyyy better, and two, there are calculators. I was pretty confused with the point, so I did some matrix stuff for a little, then I started doing fractions with them. After math, it was time to clean. It was pretty easy, we moved the desks, then sweeped, then moved them back. Then there were homeroom announcements. We had to introduce ourselves in Japanese to the class.

After school was over, all the Evanston students went to tea ceremony. They gave us sweets and then matcha, which is pretty bitter. Together, they were good. Tea ceremony is very strict, so there were specific ways to do everything, and specific ways that the girls walked and presented our tea. It was really cool to watch.

Here's Owen being a cutie, but don't tell Maia !

Next, Mama picked us up from school. Mizuki's brother was also in the car. His name is Naoki, and he is Mitchell's age. We headed home, and then Naoki gave us bread in the same of fish with red bean paste inside. It was pretty good. I had tea with it. Then I took a bath, and then it was dinner time. We had udon with crab and chicken balls. It was goooood. YUM YUM YUM. Afterwards, I talked with Mama, Papa, Mizuki, and Naoki for a while, then did homework. Now it's bed time.

It was really fun to go to KJ today, and see all the Japanese students. I'm excited to go back, and hope I understand even more tomorrow !

Then we went back home and had ramen. It was delicious ! After that Mizuki studied a little and I hung out. Then we went snow tubing ! It was so much fun ! There was a chain machine that pulled the snow tubes (with us in them) up to the top, then we tubed down the hill ! 楽しかった (it was fun) ! Sometimes we went down alone, and sometimes we connected our tubes. When we connected them, we went really fast ! One time, a worker connected us to him and another girl, so there were four of us, and we went とても早い (very fast). Then the time after that, a little girl asked if she could go with us, and there was no way we could say no !

After tubing, we went into an igloo, which had a cafe inside ! It was really cool ! I had お汁粉 (sweet red bean soup) which we ate inside the igloo. I didn't think I liked red bean, but it was really good !

Then, we drove back home, with a stop at the supermarket, but I was asleep and so was Mizuki, so we stayed in the car. At home, I took a bath, then ate dinner. We had Japanese curry, which is sweeter than Indian curry. It was delicious ! I had been wanting to eat it, so I'm really glad Mama made it. I talked with Mizuki, Mama, and Papa for a while after dinner. Then I worked on some homework and went to bed.

We woke up today and left my future home (aka I love Zao + Yamadera). I got up pretty early so I could get in one last trip to the onsen before leaving. Again, well worth it. Then it was time to pack up all my stuff. I also packed up Marisa's stuff. because she was still sleeping and I didn't want to wake her. Additionally, I wrapped up two gifts fro Jinsan and Saitosan (the two people that took care of our group at the ryokan). They were sooooo nice, so I wanted to give them omiyage. Then it was time for breakfast. One again, delicious. Ryokans do not disappoint. Also, Sensei and Yokota Sensei got me a little gift for my birthday, and wanted to wait until Mitchell was with us to give it to me. Jinsan also wrote us all letters in Japanese on his day off. Too cute ! They were Tokyo Banana for all of us to try. Yum ! Next was finishing up packing and then heading out.

When it was time to leave, Jinsan walked us to the bus station. When we got all, we all waved goodbye. He waited a bit to wave goodbye as the bus took off. Thanks Jinsan for everything ! You are so kind and we don't deserve you !

On the bus I fell asleep. Something about the movement just causes me to fall asleep. I also feel asleep on the shinkansen, but first we stopped at the Yamagate station and I bought a tonkatsu bento for the train and ate it. Then it was nap time. Shoutout to Marisa for her coat as a pillow !

When we arrived near Tokyo, I had to say goodbye to Mitchell. It was so fun to see him, and I'm so thankful he was able to come with us to Zao. Thanks so much Sensei ! Love ya Mitchell ! Hope the next half of your year is just as amazing as the first half.

On the second shinkansen I practiced speaking for my photo book. Luckily, I was sitting near Sensei so he could give me pointers. Then, I took a quiz for Kasajizo, a Japanese folk tale we are studying. Then we arrived at the station, and it was time to meet my family ! I was nervous, but excited !

We walked down the stairs and through the ticket thing, and there were all the KJ students holding signs with our names. I found Mizuki, and meet her and her parents. They told me to call them Mama and Papa, which I find pretty funny. Then we were off to her house ! It was about a 30 minute ride by car. When we got to her house, they showed me around. Their house is beautiful ! Then we sat down and drank some tea. They explained that it was the day before spring started, and so they have a tradition to keep demons out and bring happiness in. So, we threw soybeans outside, and said "鬼は外" and then threw soybeans inside and said "福は内". That translates to demons outside, luck / fortune inside. It was pretty fun to go around to all the rooms and do that.

Then it was time to eat ! We went out, and got sushi. I had already had sushi in Japan, but this time we went to a conveyor belt sushi bar. It was pretty fun to see all the sushi go around and around. It was really delicious, and I tried a lot of sushi I had never had before.

Then we headed home, and I took a bath. After my bath, I gave my omiyage. They were so happy ! They especially loved the Frango's, because chocolate mints are Papa's favorite (私も me too). Then Mizuki was doing homework, and I hung out, and then I was getting sleepy so I went to bed.

Twas a really good day. I was sad about leaving Zao and Jinsan, but my day was brightened by the amazingness of my host family. As I've been telling other kids on the trip, my host family is the bomb.com. So grateful for their kindness and love. Can't wait for the week to come !

Today might have been my favorite day on the trip so far. We started off as normal, with breakfast, and I was able to eat it all again ! Go Emma ! Shortly after breakfast we left to take a bus, then train to Yamadera. I feel asleep on both.

When we arrived at Yamadera, it was time to climb the mountain. We climb up around thirty steps to get to the first temple. I bought a temple book, which is a book that people get stamps at every temple or shrine they go to. The one I got is made of wood, which Sensei said he had never seen before.

Then we headed up the mountain. There were a lot of steps so I have no idea how many we climbed. There were some that were covered in snow and ice, but mostly they were pretty climbable. It was beautiful. As we got higher and higher we could see more of the landscape. Along the way I took a bunch of pictures. Also, while we were making our way to the top, there was this group that was being really loud. Before leaving, Sensei had given us a talk on how we had to be quiet and respectful, because this was a highly religious place. We told Sensei to give this group the talk too, but he didn't.

At / near the top, I was able to get three more stamps for my temple book, so now I have four ! Only a lot more to go ! The top had beautiful views, and we hung out at the top for a bit. Then it was time to head back down. We got lunch in town, and we meant this extremely kind women. We ate in her restaurant, and she was so nice ! I got a Yamagata specialty, Imoni Stew, and an apple dumpling. 美味しかった！(Delicious!) I then bought so food in her shop, because why wouldn't I ? Also, we got her to sign our maps, because she made them ! They were とてもかわいい (very cute). It has little drawings of all the shop owners and what they sell. After lunch, we got ice cream. I got matcha flavored. SO GOOD !

Then, sadly it was time to head back. We had to leave our favorite town, where I definitely want to live in the future. Another train and another bus, which yes, I feel asleep on. Between the train and the bus we had a little time to hang out, so me and Mitchell tried the Starbucks drink Kate asked us to try. It was pink, and actually pretty good. We also shopped a little, and I got three finger puppets from Spirited Away. When we arrived, we hurried to the ryokan so we would have time to bath before dinner. It was a short bath, but well worth it.

We hurried to dinner, and made it just in time. Sensei wanted us to sit next to someone new, and I ended up sitting across from Yokota Sensei, which I loved. The food was delicious, as always. This time I didn't have my camera because I had come straight from the bath, but we had sushi ! DELISH !

Thanks Sensei(s) for another amazing day ! I can't wait to meet my host family tomorrow !

Today was the most relaxing day. I woke up having slept the best I have yet on the trip, and got ready for breakfast. Before breakfast, we watched some Japanese kid shows. They were so cute and graphically pleasing ! Breakfast was amazing, as dinner was, and I was able to finish everything ! Once again a proud foreigner !

Then it was time for relaxing. We went to the onsen, which was amazing. There were three different baths. One normal one, one foot bath, and one that was outside. The outside one was my favorite, because my head was cool from the cold air while my body was warm and comfortable. LOVED IT !

After bathing, we headed to town. I got some omiyage for my host family, and for my family and friends back home. I also got a phone charm, which are really popular in Japan. Then we went to lunch. I was still really full from breakfast, so I just got rice cakes with bean paste and coffee. They were delicious ! Also, the lady in the cafe was so nice ! She gave us bookmarks and cute tissues. Then we went to one more shop, where I got another phone charm, and a gift for a good friend of mine.

Next, we headed back to the ryokan to get suited and dressed to climb up the mountain. We had to were a bunch of layers, because it is freezing at the top of the mountain. I got my layers on, and then while waiting I cleaned out some emails.

Then we drove to the sky lift / gondola place, to get to the top of the mountain. We took two gondolas / ski lifts, and luckily I was near the windows for both, so I was able to take some good pictures. When we got to the top, it was surreal. There were literal snow monsters. They all had different shapes and movements from the wind. It is soooooooooooo cool. I took a gazillion pictures. However, because we were so high up, it was cold. We were all freezing, but also wanted to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Also, we were interviewed for a news station ! They asked us what we thought of Yamagata and the snow monsters. After the interview, we all bowed and said thank you, and the lady said we were so polite, which made Sensei proud, which made me proud. We stayed outside walking around for a while and taking pictures, and then went inside to the warm, but still looked outside. Then the sun started setting, so we rushed back out for more pictures. It was beautiful. With the light of the sun leaving, the snow monsters began to light up from colored lights. It was とてもすごい！(very cool ! ). Then we took our two gondola / ski lifts back down to the bottom, and headed back to the ryokan.

I then went to the onsen to warm up—best decision ever! It was so relaxing to be in the hot water. Then it was time for dinner ! Me and Lucy timed it perfectly, so we showed up at dinner right when it was about to start. Once again, AMAZING. This time, I brought my camera, so I've got the pics to share. I was able to eat it all, except for a bit of my fish (because I was getting annoyed at eating the tiny bones). Yokota Sensei had to give our group a talk though, because some people weren't eating some of their foods, and it made Sensei really sad they weren't even trying it. I've been trying to eat everything, and I'm glad because it's all been delicious. When she was done talking, she dismissed us to go, but I wasn't done eating (because I eat so slow). So Owen, Lucy, Brendan, and Yokota Sensei stayed with me while I finished.

After dinner we worked on our presentation (very distractedly). Owen, Lucy, and Emmet showed me a vine compilation, because I had never seen one and they ALWAYS reference vines. I have to say, it was pretty funny. Then I headed upstairs to my room to blog and go to bed.

Once again, an amazing day. Yamagata and Zao Onsen have my heart. The town is full of such nice people, beautiful views, and amazing onsen. I love this place, and hope I am able to come back some time.

We started our day with getting up and ready to leave the hostel. I packed up all my stuff last night, so I just had some few last minute things to put away. Then we had breakfast, and I had パン (bread) as toast, along with the omelettes and potatoes they served. The omelette was sweeter than American ones, which was good, but I don't think I would've been able to eat two. The toast was delicious. As my Instagram bio says, the greatest miracle to good bread, and this was some GOOD BREAD. It was butterier than American bread, and maybe a little sweeter. Whatever it was, it was good. After breakfast we had to clear our rooms and head out.

Then it was time for our first shinkansen (bullet trains) ! First we took two normal trains to get to the shinkansen station, which was a little hard with all our bags, but it was all good. At the shinkansen platform I got this AMAZING drink, that was milk coffee. It was so good that the two senseis got their own. While waiting for the shinkansen, others were passing. THEY WERE SO FAST ! LIKE SO FAST ! Then it was time to actually ride the shinkansen. We got on and got situated, and it was time for me to do some work. First, I uploading my images from my camera onto my phone, and picked out which ones I wanted for my blog. Then I did writer's workshop for Japanese, where we have to edit each others writing. Then, I tried to read some Othello, but I kept getting distracted by the beautiful scenery we were passing—sorry Ms. O. The snow on the trees, mountains, and towns is so beautiful. I just kept having to take more pictures and videos.

After we got off the shinkansen at Yamagata, we had some time to explore the station. They had basically a mall in it, full of food, clothes, and other goods. There was almost no English, which was a strike contrast from Tokyo, which was FILLED with English. We got to try some Japanese food that was delish. I also got some tea for my amigos that love tea (Gavi, Remi, Mags, Julia—that's you). Then we got on a bus to Zao Onsen. On the bus I was able to talk to a Japanese women for a long time. I was so proud of being able to use my Japanese for so long ! We did have some confusions, but overall we understood each other !

When we got off the bus, we walked to the ryokan (hotel). IT'S FREAKING BEAUTIFUL. LIKE SO BEAUTIFUL. I MEAN AMAZING. They are traditional Japanese rooms, with tatami mats. The rooms are so big, with a seating area room, and then a bed room as well. It's so nice. And, the view is great !

After dinner my group worked on our presentation for KJ. We have to present a topic for 20 minutes in Japanese to around 80 students. We decided we are going to compare the Wizard of Oz to a Japansese folktalke, Momotaro (Peach Boy). We were successful in getting a good amount of work done, then it was time for me to blog and go to bed.

Next, we went to lunch. Originally we were going to go to CocoCurry, and I was really excited to try Japanese curry. However, we ended up going to Denny's, which I was disappointed with at first. It ended up being pretty good, and they had so many Japanese options. It's not like the American Denny's AT ALL. First, when you are ready to order you press a button to call the waiter over. Also, you get the drinks yourself. According to Owen, it was an interesting in between of the service of at Noodles & Company, and a Denny's in America. I got omurice, which is the Japanese take on omelettes. It has rice covered with eggs and sauce. It was really good, and I had wanted to try it since I read about Mitchell and his friend Sofia eating them on Sofia's blog. (FOR REALS: her food blog is goals.) One side note about Denny's though: Sensei had an allergic reaction to something for there, so maybe be careful about what ya order (?)

After lunch, we went to Ueno Park, which is a park that has all the museums. We were planning on going to the Tokyo National Museum, which has a lot of artifacts from Japanese culture, but we were running late on time so we ended up deciding not to go. We did go to this AMAZING winter peony garden. There were tons of peonies that were all so beautiful. AND EACH ONE HAS ITS OWN LITTLE HUT TO PROTECT IT FROM THE SNOW ! I mean how great it that ?!? SO GREAT ! I took tons of pictures there, as did the two Senseis. The garden is a part of the Toshogu Shrine, so after the garden we went to the shrine. Again, we had to wash our hands, and I was feeling like a pro at it. The shrine was built it 1651, and had a guarding wall built the same year. It was so beautiful and intricate. Also, the walls were all covered in gold. It was crazy beautiful.

After the shrine, we headed to the Sensoji Temple. To get there, you walk through this super cool walk of stores. It was really fun to look at all the different products. We wanted to buy Sensei this hilarious white wig, but then we looked at the price and it was about $450 ! What !?! So no wig for Sensei. The temple itself was, once again, GREAT. Japan will never let me down. I mean, you don't get things like the cultural history of temples and shrines in America. At the temple, I got a fortune. How it works is that you shake this tube until a stick comes out of a tiny hole, and the stick has a number on it. Then you pick the fortune from the drawer with the same number. I got a bad fortune though, so to keep it from coming true I had to tie it up. Then we went to the smoke incense and put it on us, which is supposed to good fortune. After the temple we had to hustle back to our meeting point, and we were late (oops) but so was Sensei so its whateves.

Then we made our way to Tokyo Skytree, the tallest building in Tokyo. It was lit up with rainbow lights which was so cool ! From the top we could see the lights of the whole city. It was so beautiful, and amazing to see how big Tokyo is. I found out there's a river in Tokyo ? Did not know that. Honestly you can go anywhere in Tokyo and learn new things about it and STILL BE IN THE CITY PART. Like in Chicago, there's one downtown part, and then a bunch of other parts. But in Tokyo, it feels like its ALL the downtown part.

To end the day, we headed back to near our youth hostel and got dinner from Mos Burger. There ended up not being enough space for us to eat there, so we got it to-go and ate it at the youth hostel. The people working there were great, they had to deal with 21 to-go orders, and figuring out whose food was whose. There was a little mix up at the end, but it all got sorted out. And they just kept smiling through it all. In America, they wouldn't be smiling. I got a teriyaki burger, which was delicious. Then it was time for baths, packing, and bed.

Another successful, jam-packed day in Tokyo ! I feel like I've done so much and it's only been two days ! Tomorrow, we head to Zao Onsen in Yamagata, and I get to ride my first shinkansen (bullet train). I can't wait !

We headed off to the Meiji Shrine after breakfast, it was so beautiful. We met with Sensei's friend there, whose students wrote us letters ! They were so cute ! To get to the shrine we walked through a foresty area, which was really great to take some photos. Someone had made a tiny snowman When we got to the shrine, we had to clean our hands first. There is a certain way to do it, which Yokota Sensei showed us. The water was freezing ! The shrine was so beautiful, there were copper ceilings ! I was able to write a wish on wish paper. There were also lots of writing from first graders, which were so beautiful and I don't understand how first graders can write in Japanese that well !

After Harajuku we went to Shibuya Crossing. We saw the statue of Hachiko, the greatest dog that has lived. Then got to cross the famous crossing and head to lunch. We ended up going to a ramen place where we ordered from a vending machine. I got Japanese Herb Ramen, which was so delicious, but it was too much food for me to eat it all ☹ Then we went to a department store which was overwhelming, because there was just so much stuff ! Then we had to head back to meet up with the group, but on the way back we stopped in a コンビニ (convenience store) and Lili bought me a strawberry mochi for my birthday (THANKS LILI ) !

Next we headed to Odaiba, and took a beautiful train trip there. Because it is basically a garbage island (actually a landfill), so we took a bridge and saw some amazing views of Tokyo. We went to a science museum, and there were a bunch of Japanese students that were also there. While Sensei was buying the tickets, we spent our time waving to all the students. First they would wave shyly, and then get really into it. It was so cute ! The museum was pretty cool, kind of like the Science and Industry. They had some robots, and one that could talk (Doc V - took a video for you !). Another shoutout to Doc V: there was a part about quarks and when I saw the top quark part I thought "Thanks Doc V !".

Then we went to the ferris wheel, which had some great views of Tokyo. It moved really slow, but it was nice to be able to see so much of the city. Then we went to a mall, that had cool light up stairs. I went to a Hello Kitty store and some other stores that had a lot of cool stuff, but by that point we were all pretty tired. We headed to the restaurant for dinner, and while we waited for food we all were putting our heads down and practically falling asleep. I got cold dipping soba noddles with tempura, which was delicious—as all the food has been. It took me so long to eat, I was worried we were going to leave before I was done, but luckily people kept getting up to go to the bathroom so I was good. By the time dinner was over, we were literally all about to fall asleep and so we headed to the train, and did fall asleep on the train. Once back at the hostel we bathed (once again, very relaxing), blogged, and now bed !

Overall it was an amazing day. I would have to say my best birthday. While tiring, the jam-packed day is so fun to be able to see so many different parts of Tokyo. Also, I learned how hard it is to travel in a big group. We slowed down the trains, and they made an announcement saying they were sorry it was running a minute late—sorry Japanese commuters!

We left the airport and I rode my first Japanese train. It was amazing. So clean, comfortable, smooth. America should really follow suit. We had to transfer trains at Tokyo station, which was so huge and busy, and we only saw part of it! I don't know how people can navigate the madness of all the trains and shops. We took another train, then had a bit of a rocky transfer (we went up stairs only to realize we had to go back down), but eventually made it to the youth hostel.