Last weekend, two other friends from Rollins (Mikolaj Geritz and Jonathan Guacaneme) spent the weekend in Japan. We managed to visit Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara all within 3 days and it was absolutely wonderful. From the excellent food, temples, shrines, and—of course—video games in Tokyo, to Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, to Nara Park to hand feed wild deer in Nara, it was an unforgettable experience. In Kyoto, we actually rented a traditional machiya house to stay in which helped make the experience feel authentic (not to mention it was just awesome!).
Although I wasn’t officially part of the English Saloon club, they often invited me to attend their activities which was thoroughly enjoyable. Listening to their perspectives and providing my own on various subjects was very interesting and insightful. I feel that sometimes people from China will not be so public and open about their true thoughts and feelings (compared with the U.S.) so I really enjoyed having those talks with them to better understand the way they think and feel. It was always lovely spending time with them and they invited me to dinner before I leave. I guided them to the Thai restaurant that I ate at previously and it was as exquisite and delectable as expected.