Thanks for the suggestions. I have planned some of these ideas and am still working on others. I have been an English teacher in Japan for the last year and I am returning to Texas for the first time since I left. My job will come to the conclusion at the end of this month. This year is the first time I`ve written a journal so I plan on going back and reading some of my early responses. I think that`ll crack me up. Plus there are the movies, the music, walks, and maybe random attempts to start a conversation with someone.

I have to say this to anyone who has thought about moving half way across the world to experience another culture: Just do it! It is frusterating and hard as heck, but definately worth it. I may write more on this topic once Ive had the chance to go back and read my early journal entries from last year.

Adam