EIL Intercultural Learning

So, since it's after midnight as I write this, TECHNICALLY it's the day before I fly out. BUT it's also still the day BEFORE the day before I fly out, so it's really the perfect time to write about going. I'm not so excited I can't sleep, nor am I rocking back and forward, wishing I had never agreed to go! So, before that happens, time to get a few thoughts down on paper. E-paper. Whatever.

I got a reply from my host family this afternoon, so now I have faces to go with the names! They seem like really nice people, so hopefully  we will get on well! On the other hand, their reply was in Japanese - HELP! I got the general gist of what they were saying, but I'm gonna have to comb through it with my dictionary before I arrive! It'll give me something to do in the airport, anyway. At first it was really intimidating, but after reading through it a second time - MUCH more slowly - I realized that, hey, I recognised a few words! And then a few more! So, provided I take it handy, I shouldn't starve - not from lack of being able to communicate, anyway - which is always a plus.

I also met my friends this afternoon, for the last time in six weeks! Unless they follow me up to Dublin tomorrow, which I am fairly doubtful of (they went out for a party tonight in my honour, you see!). It's a bit sad (okay, that's a lie - PRETTY LAME would be a better way to put it!) to be gone for the summer after the Leaving Cert - but this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Plus, we will have plenty of time to hang out once I get back, before the college term starts. That's my head talking, mind. Once the plane touches down and I meet all these new people, I'm sure I'll feel fine, though. This is what I love doing: travelling, meeting new people, having new, exciting experiences! So, yeah, bit of a mixed bag of feelings here, but sure it'll be grand. The benefits of being an optimist!

My bag is (nearly) packed, all my important documents are photocopied, all the gifts for my hosts are bought... You know, I think I just might be ready to go! Regardless, I'm tired, and I've kept ye reading for long enough, so adieu! Or sayonara, as we say in the East.

I'm not quite sure why, but this song always calms me down. Give it a listen! Also, I'll update with a picture before I leave!