Carissa's Exploits and Fabulous Adventures




Japan Round Two

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

When I got to Customs in Chicago the agent asked about my traveling. After I told him he simply said, “Welcome Home.” It’s hard to believe after so long. I’m home.

To summarize this trip is no small task. Was it amazing? Of course. Was it life-changing. Maybe not, but the words enlightening, inspiring, educational, and exciting spring to mind. So what have I learned?
- That I know very little about it but am fascinated by world history. I loved learning the history of the places we stopped and I want to learn more.
- That Ruan and I are more similar that I previously thought. We bonded a lot on this trip.
- I love traveling by trains!
- I don’t need to see every place listed in the guidebooks, but I like to spend time in one place (more than 2 or 3 days). Russia I understood, but Prague and Munich were too rushed.

I am sad this trip is over. It means I actually have to grow up and leave behind Japan. I have to face the inevitable culture shock of moving home. I won’t wake up every few days in a new city with new things to see, new foods to taste and a new history to learn. This was a once in a lifetime trip though and I’m so happy I did it. I am proud of myself for being brave and tireless and I have a million beautiful memories.

My favorite memory is the moon rising over Lake Ogyi in Mongolia. The sky was still light although the sun was gone. Ruan and I watched as the moon rose out of the lake and the stars appeared. I fell asleep with a huge smile on my face in the middle of the most remote place on earth.