My dream job is to travel around the world, meet amazing people, learn about different cultures and write about my experience doing all of the above. Although it may be difficult for most people to create such a dream career from scratch, I actually have the opportunity to travel, work and live in Japan for a year, so I thought I would create a blog to capture the journey.

I’m not sure why, but it has been really hard for me to become comfortable with the idea of writing a blog. First of all, I don’t consider myself a writer. The only writing I have done in the past is journaling and those are my deepest, darkest thoughts that I’d rather not share with anyone. When I do write (poor grammar and all) it is always about my innermost passions, fears and insecurities. I knew if I started a blog, I would likely expose these feelings to my readers. I’m not sure I feel comfortable being completely vulnerable to my audience. However, I decided a blog is a good idea for various reasons: I don’t have to repeat stories I collect on my travel adventures, I want to keep details of my growth as an independent and adventurous woman, and I want to stay connected with those who are interested in staying connected with me while I’m abroad.

This is exciting, scary, and surreal. What are my expectations? Well, none really. Why? Because I have no idea what Japan is about. An unexpected benefit of pure ignorance. I recently walked into Barnes and Noble to pick up a book on Japan. The travel section is completely overwhelming with so many choices and not much guidance. Friends had recommended the Lonely Planet Guide to Japan or Discover Japan. I had two choices, one black and white version, mapping out every subway line, hotel, restaurant and bar in Japan. The other was a basic guide with color photos. I chose the one with color photos because I knew I would get bored with black and white print and probably have the book on my nightstand the entire time I’m in Tokyo. That’s just how I function and that’s how I prefer to live---one color photo after another. I experience life vividly--my pain is deep, my love is strong and my laugh is loud.

My intention with blogging about my experience in Japan is to share my perspective on jumping head first into a culture I am clueless about. I don’t expect it to be easy by any means, but I anticipate my journey to be filled with life changing experiences that will make me laugh, cry and grow. I hope you can enjoy my journey as much as I will.