一期一会 ~ once in a lifetime

一期一会 - said ichi-go-ichi-e, literally translates"One chance, one meeting", but it is most frequently taken to mean something like the English saying "A once in a lifetime chance." All in all, I couldn't think of a better feeling for right now other than 一期一会.

After almost 10 years of dreaming about it, and two months of waiting, I've officially been accepted into my exchange program in Japan. However, instead of going to Tokyo or Nagoya, the two large city programs available at Penn State and previously the only exchange programs available, I will be going on a brand new program that the Japanese department just established. My program will take place in Mito, Japan.

As you can see, on a map, it's still relatively close to Tokyo (from what I've been able to discern from the Japanese Rail (JR) websites, it's 1-2 hours on a train) so I can take weekend trips to visit my host family from 2008, the Yokoyamas, or my friend Becky who will be studying there at Kanda University simultaneously.

While Mito will be no Tokyo, I'm still assuming that it will be of moderate size since its the capital of Ibaraki-ken...so kind of like Harrisburg maybe?

Other than that, I don't know a whole lot about the town...though, I have been able to find out that Mito is known for its Art Tower and Kairaku-en gardens, supposedly one of the "great three" of Japan and there is a June Hydrangea festival with over 4,000 hydrangea plants in full bloom!

I've had a little more luck finding information about my school. Its called Ibaraki University, Mito Campus and its really tiny...at least compared to the Main Penn State campus where it would probably take you 30-45 minutes to walk from Beaver Stadium to the IST building. I think there is something like 8,400 students...so if I had any doubts before if I was going to stick out...well let's just say its more or less become a fact.

All my classes will be in Japanese, scary prospect since they go towards my G.P.A., but I'm really excited none the less and ready to take on the challenge! This is something I've dreamed of since I was 9 or 10...How could I not be excited?

Well, as exciting as it is to dream of next year, it's time I start living in the present and go to bed! Be back with more information soon!

お休みなさい！
Good Night!

Caitlyn