Ok...this isn't so much an editorial as it is a feature. But I didn't know where else on the site to place it...so here it is.

In July of 2001, I got to spend a month in Japan as a part of the University of California Summer Sessions Abroad Programs. I lived in a suburb of Kyoto called Seta, and attended classes with 20 other UC students (mostly other UC Davis students; some from UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC Santa Cruz, and UC San Diego) at Ryukoku University in Seta.

This is my story of that month.

The feature is divided up into two sections - the Journal, and Cultural Observations.  The Journal is simply a timeline of my events and activites from day one to the last day of my stay.  Here, I'll talk about specific activities, places, events, etc. Cultural Observations are exactly that - my thoughts and findings about the people, the country, the language, and the customs of Japan.

The best way, I think, to read the feature is to start with the Journal. Within the Journal, I've linked specific parts to a corresponding Cultural Observation. Click on the link as you come across it, then after you have finished that specific observation, return to the journal. This is the best way to read the feature. If you don't want to do that, then you can start with whichever part you like, but make sure to read the other part to fill in holes.

Both parts are quite long, to give you fair warning, but they are pretty detailed and I hope entertaining. I worked hard on writing this so I hope you all enjoy it!