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