Excitement for Taiwan & Japan

“Wherever you go, there you are.” 

     At the moment, I am in Flint, Michigan, at the same house I have lived in for 19 years. My soul needs adventure; my mind craves stimulation; my eyes desire nature's beauty. This is why I signed up for the University of Michigan – Flint's Japan & Taiwan study abroad trip.

     It's amazing to think that in 8 days, I'll be in Taiwan, and 11 days later, I'll be standing in Japan. It's incredibly exciting and refreshing to have this opportunity. After studying international business for 4 years, I'm finally about to get some first hand overseas experience. After preparing for the trip for a few months, and having a garage sale to make money to convert to yen and New Taiwan dollars, all I can do now is expect the unexpected.

     Well, I do know a bit of what to expect, but it's proved hard to imagine just how awesome it'll be. Based on what I do know, it should be a very fun and fulfilling experience.

     Until recently, I knew very little about Taiwan, but the more I find out the more excited I get to be there! The island is important to both Chinese and Japanese history, so it'll be interesting to see the modern culture and the ways that business is done in this country. I can't believe I'll be in the Republic of China Presidential Building in Taipei. I'll be in Taipei, the capital, for 8 days, and Taichung, Taiwan for 3 days. I watched “Life of Pi”, which I'm told was filmed in Taichung. The film definitely makes Taiwan look like it lives up to its title of “Ilha Formosa” - or beautiful island!

     It sounds like a very peaceful, pleasant country that I will have the pleasure of studying in. I am particularly excited to visit a Confucius temple. Even pictures of these temples look majestic, and rest assured that I will take plenty of pretty pictures too. The “sky lantern experience” is also sure to be a Kodak moment (or should I say, Instagram moment?). I'm looking forward to meeting students at the National Taiwan Normal University and learning about business from an east Asian perspective. It's gonna be so cool to talk to local students and see what they see.

     After 11 days in Taiwan, I'll be in Tokyo, Japan. I don't think I've ever been to a place with as vast a history as Japan. It's amazing that such a small island (or group of islands) can be home to the world's 10^th largest population and 4^th largest economy! Stepping into the Akihabara Electronics District in Tokyo may be like seeing the future of urban development. I'm looking forward to the Grand Sumo Tournament like a kid on Christmas Eve! At the same time, I'm excited to see the age-old architecture of Kamakura, Japan's capital from 1192 to 1333. Hiroshima may be an emotional part of the journey as we visit the Itsukushima Shrine and see the effects of World War II. As a music lover, I also can't wait to visit the Yamaha Musical instrument manufacturing facility and examine the process.

     I've purchased a pocket guide book to Japan that has lots of great information, as well as translations. It has insight on everything from traveling around Tokyo to Japanese restaurants to historical points of interest. It will no doubt be handy on the streets of Tokyo – it's already proved useful in appreciating regional differences. I also downloaded an app called Human Japanese that assists in learning Japanese. I've been practicing some key phrases, but I need to devote more time to the language – the written letters are hard to grasp!

     I also rented the book “The Japanese Psyche: Major Motifs in the Fairy Tales of Japan”. It's an interesting read that delves into the Japanese culture by analyzing fairy tales from the country. It has some really cool and thought provoking stories, like “The Handless Maiden” and “Crane Wife”. The stories often have a feminine perspective, and are filled with nature and moral choices but not necessarily romance. Finally, I've been watching Japanese films, including Battle Royale, Ringu, the Princess Blade, and Sonatine. All of these films, while very different from each other, were deep in meaning and rich in emotion. They also have beautiful scenery, and to think that I will see the same mountains and seashores has me stoked.

     So, in short, I'm very happy to have signed up for this program. There are dozens of things to look forward to and lots of knowledge to be gained. The sights that I will see and the people that I'll meet – I simply can't imagine. But just how much excitement and discovery awaiting me is still a mystery. I have a week to wait, and with every day that passes my anticipation builds and I remind myself that I still have to pack.