When it was time to say goodbye to everyone in Murayama it was the hardest thing I have done in my life yet. I know we were only in Murayama fourteen days, but those days seemed like ten years. My family and I were very sad to say goodbye to each other for the very last time. I was especially sad to say goodbye to Takeshi because we are so much alike in many ways. It was almost like I was saying goodbye to a friend I have known for years. After staying in Murayama for ten fun filled exciting days we hopped on a train to Tokyo.
Tokyo is the biggest city I have ever been to and has the most people I have ever seen. The Tokyo Marriott has to be the finest hotel I have ever had the pleasure to stay in. The restaurants in the hotel had exceptional food and service. The people at the hotel were just as friendly and kind as at the KurHaus Goten. When we went out on the streets to go shopping I was in awe at the size of the buildings in Tokyo.
I had a fantastic time staying at the Tokyo Marriott and touring around Tokyo, I hope to go back in the future because I know we only covered a small part of the massive city.
Overall I had a first-class time in Japan and I know I will carry memories of this trip to my grave. I have also made new friends both from Murayama and from Barrie through this program and for that I am thankful. I am proud to say I was apart of this great experience and I'm very grateful that I applied for the program. I hope to go back to Murayama the year after I get my degree from university. I would like to go and stay for a year before jumping right into the work force. I'd like to thank the city of Barrie and the City of Murayama for allowing a program like this to take place. Also Dave Morrison, Sandra Purchase and Tanka san for without them this would have never been possible.

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