The most wonderful thing about being a year long student studying abroad is that I have had the opportunity to really experience all of the seasons within Japan.

Before coming to China, in my last minute panic, I made a list of things I would be absent for while I was abroad.  Including, but not limited to, ten birthdays, an annual end of the year party, and the entire Lenten Season.  That last part really got to me though; not only was Easter on my mom’s birthday this year (happy birthday, Mom!), but it was also the biggest event held at my house and in my Church.  I am a devout Roman Catholic, and I would be studying abroad in a country where religion basically isn’t a thing. 

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AUSTRALIAN SLANG OF THE WEEK: “CANDY” (US) = “LOLLIES” (AUS)

This past weekend, I was fortunate enough to cross the “Grand Pacific Drive” off my Australian bucket list with some of my friends. It was another one of those, “let’s plan a trip for the weekend” a day before the weekend, kind of trip which in a greater sense, is the only way to travel here in Australia.

First things first… I will shamefully admit I haven’t updated this blog in over three weeks.  Here is my intelligent attempt at creating an explanation/excuse for this.

Let’s first learn some physics.

Twin Paradox Noun Physics

1. The apparent paradox arising from relativity theory that if one of a pair of twins makes a long journey at near the speed of light and then returns, he or she will have aged less than the twin who remains behind.

I can’t believe I’ve only been in Tokyo for a little over a week now. So much has happened and the days are so long that it already feels like it’s been at least three weeks. Not that I’m complaining, I love being able to see and do a lot both in Chiba and Tokyo. Makuhari, the city where the university is located, is amazing. It’s really new and modern and is better planned out than most other places in the surrounding area so it’s pretty easy to navigate.

Every week here offers new experiences and while Siena might seem a bit small and quiet, there is always something going on and little surprises which gives this medieval city it's charm. Here's an example from two weeks ago. Sunday: So Sunday my host mom mentioned over breakfast that there would be an event with horses in Piazza del Campo. Since I'm unfortunately leaving before the Palio I jumped at the chance to get a little taste of what it would be like.