Preparing for Japan

Connor Cook
May 28, 2014
View of the state capitol building from an Annapolis side street. My dad and I celebrating his birthday in May. Trying not to laugh at his face! He won the impromptu staring contest. Happy birthday, dad! My sister, Meghan, and my dad, Chris, celebrating his birthday before my departure to Japan.

Hey there!

My name is Connor and I’ll be chronicling my journey to Japan and back on the pages of this blog. I am really excited to be leaving for Japan in two days, and I’ll admit I’m more than a little nervous. I thought it a nice introduction would ease a few butterflies, so let’s start from the beginning.

I grew up in Annapolis, the capital of Maryland and home of the United States Naval Academy. You can see a pic up there- the old architecture and the restless spirit instilled by the midshipmen there defined my childhood. Now I want to travel!

The older guy in my gallery is my dad, a retired Navy Commander. We just celebrated his birthday with my sister in tow last week, so I brought my camera along to sharpen my teeth and show everyone a few of the amazing family members supporting me in this endeavor.

And with that, I must return to my packing feeling even more excited than before about this adventure. I love anime (digging into Kill la Kill), I love manga (One Piece is amazing!), I love Japanese food (tonkatsu, mmm) and the music is just stunning (Tokyo jazz bars anyone?). This trip has been a long time coming, I know it’ll be an experience I won’t ever forget.

… and there’s those butterflies again? Oh wow. More excited than I thought to be documenting this, taking in the beautiful vistas of Japan and sharing it with everyone here. Hold onto your 箸, everyone. It’s going to be fun!

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Connor Cook

<p><span style="color: rgb(29, 29, 29); font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; background-color: rgb(237, 237, 237);">My name is Connor Cook- nice to meet you! I&#39;m a 21 y/o from the naval town of Annapolis, MD studying Computer Science at the University of Maryland. I like to lead a colorful life, try new things- I run, I tweak computer things, I watch anime, and I love electronic music (and tea). As I pack my camera, I can only think of all the friends I&#39;ll make, places I&#39;ll see, and food I&#39;ll savor!</span></p>

Program:
Destination:
Home University:
University of Maryland+ Baltimore County
Major:
Computer Science
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