Japan Essay

By: Stefania G.

This summer, I was given the amazing opportunity to travel to Japan as a Youth Ambassador for the City of Barrie. It was the most amazing thing that I have ever experienced.First of all, I would like to start off by thanking Morri and Sandra for all they have done for the group. If it wasn't for you two, none of us would have been given the chance to experience this. I have never seen anybody so dedicated to something as you two are to this delegation, and I think that both of you are amazing. Thank you for everything that you have done for myself and for the entire group.
I would also like to thank the other delegates that attended this trip. I miss all of you so much. I had such a blast sitting up until 3:00 am talking about all of the things that we had seen and done that day. This trip would not have been the same if it wasn't for all of you, and I just want to thank you for making this such a great experience.
I am still in awe of this entire experience. It seems so surreal. It is very hard to pick my favorite thing on this trip, because I don't have one favourite thing...from Yamadera to Tokyo, the homestay to the Tokunai Festival, everything was so completely different than anything I have ever experienced before and I loved every minute of it!

Although, one thing that stands out in my mind is definitely the homestay. From the moment that I met my host-family the Sato's, I felt like one of the family. They took me in and did everything they could to make me feel welcome. They taught me about their culture, their religion, their food and their language. They took me to Arsbel, Jogi Nyorai, Yamadera, Mount Zao, to an amusement park, bowling and to their English class, and on my last day in Murayama, I spent the day with my host family, Hasegawa San and Gen, visiting the Jionji Buddhist Temple before the Sayonara party.
I am keeping in touch with them through email, and we are also sending letters and pictures back and forth. I just want to thank them for all they have done for me and let them know that I feel extremely lucky to have them as a part of my life.

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