My family came to visit me this past week and it was very reorienting for me. I think for the last three months, I've sort of been living this other life here in Japan...one that was very disconnected to the one I have back home; it was as if I got to start over and left everything behind. With my family here, I was just reminded of why I am here and what I will return to.

Turning twenty-one here was pretty mellow. It was nice to just hang out with my family with nice little text-message interruptions from some of my favorite people (read: you all). My sister showed me the video all of you helped make today...it was beautiful. It made me really excited to go home and really stoked that you are the ones I am returning home to. :D

Pictures

Geisha walking on the street in Arashiyama (Storm Mountain), Kyoto.

Autumn leaves in Arashiyama, Kyoto.

Gingaku-jin (Silver Shrine), Kyoto.

Osaka lights

Pathway lined with Japanese autumn foliage, Arashiyama, Kyoto.

Me pushing my sister off a bridge in front of Osaka-jo (Osaka Castle), Osaka.