Garrett

Why I chose to study overseas for a year

I chose to study abroad for many reasons. I want to not only represent the United States as an ambassador, but to also show representation of my family, culture, and rotary club. It would be the best opportunity at this point in my life to increase my language in another country and to be immersed in their culture and customs. This is a chance of a life time, one that would drastically change my future, one experience that would never be forgotten.

Date/ Entry Title	Entry

1/2/2007 8:00 AM	Hello Everyone!, December was a pretty laid back month school-wise, students took final exams at the beginning and then it was basically --- wait for winter vacation. I switched host families, which has probably been one of the hardest things yet to deal with, it's like breaking away from your loved ones again... however I still visit them regularly and I am definitely enjoying my new host family as well. I went to Tokyo for 3 days with Rotary, very interesting place, way too many people in one area - something like 50 million (including the surrounding suburbs). I met Richard Magness, a previous Rotary Exchange student who now has been studying/living in Japan for 4 years. It was nice being able to talk with him about Japan, he's a great guy. The main focus of the Tokyo trip was of course.... DISNEYLAND.. And I thought Tokyo was overpopulated, the lines/people in Disneyland made Disneyland not seem so... Disney? In order to move, it took you about 30 minutes to go maybe 100 yards, ride-lines were 4+ hours for everything. I think in the whole 12 hours we were there my friends and I went on like 2 rides. The second day, we chose a different route and went to Disney Sea, which I must say, was much better. There were far less people, the rides were more adult-oriented, and we had fun. After getting back home, winter vacation started. Winter vacation here is 3 weeks, but in those 3 weeks, I think I only have 2 days for myself, every day includes a party, parade, friends, Rotary, dinner with people, etc. I enjoy going to Nagoya by train in my free time, and hanging out with friends from school or Rotary, we finally saw the new Bond movie (after about 4 attempts!, we kept getting the times wrong): a big improvement over the last one. I agreed to participate in a parade this upcoming Friday where I become one of the Seven Gods of fortune for the New Year, and dress up as a samurai, and parade around Seto for maybe 8 hours - I will definitely take some pictures. Tomorrow I head to Nagashima, this huge amusement park, I'm really looking forward to it; it's been awhile since I've ridden a good roller coaster. I'm attaching some photos of Tokyo and other random happenings. Christmas here was much like at home, but of course I missed you all, and thanks for the wonderful gifts! New Years was a little lower key, not so much partying like in the states, but instead a time to spend with family. That's basically everything which has been keeping me busy lately, I hope everyone is doing well back home! Garrett

Garrett Tulsa to Japan

Garrett
Tulsa to Japan