Since it's a little tricky, I figured I'd share the basic info on how to get back to the airport with any readers loyal enough to get this far (And thanks for reading). Keep in mind that this may change by the time you study here, but as of now:

The best option is to first take a bus (the usual #12) from the dorms down to Hirakata Station (220 yen). Once there, walk to the side of the station with the StarBucks, then follow the main road out a few blocks till it hits a busy street. Cross, then walk forward a bit farther: off to the left is a small brow roof for a bus stop; that's your destination. Ask about the schedule at the dorms before hand. The bus here goes straight to the airport, and costs about 2000 yen. As with all travel, be sure to leave yourself some margin for error.

That's all for now, though there may be a few more posts once I've recovered, readjusted, and remember experiences I forgot to type up. Till then, farewell!

Looks like I have at least one more post before the end. December was hectic, with classes drawing to their end. It stayed fairly warm until the last week, but as I write this it is truly cold outside.

My room mate left yesterday, I'll be leaving tomorrow. I already miss him, and the other friends and familiar people I'll be leaving. I had a home here for this semester, a good one, and it's a profoundly sad experience to look around and realize I'm saying goodbye to everything I see.

But at the same time I have a very real sense of satisfaction, of seeing a lot, doing a lot, learning a lot. Being here this semester has been a chance to connect with Japan, and the world in general, in an amazing way. That's actually one of the reasons it's so hard to leave, because leaving means going back to a much less interesting life.
But a lot can change with effort and luck. It won't happen overnight, but I'm resolved to do what I can to recapture some of the freedom and engagement I've had here back at home.

So while many of them may never read this, a thanks to all my friends throughout this semester: Yutaro, my speaking partner, Kristen, Eddie and Brian, Jen, Don. The people whose faces I know but names I don't. The "Mother" and "Father" caretakers at the dorms, for their tireless work. Our RA, Hiro. I'll even miss the assholes. Thanks for the great semester, and best of luck to you all.

I'll try to get some pictures up later, if I remember.

Type rest of the post here