It's hard to believe that it was really two and a half years ago that I started thinking about studying abroad. I remember being a freshman and excitedly looking at all of my options and trying to decide which university I would want to spend five months studying at, what classes I would take, what requirements it would fulfill, and of course trying to imagine what it would be like to be actually living in Japan.
I remember thinking that the time was going so slowly - after all it was 2 years away. But here I am now, only 11 days away from flying out of this country and all I can think of is how quickly this time has passed. Sure, a lot has happened in between then and now - numerous emails with my adviser, preparing all of my required documents, frantically calling my company when some documents were rejected near the deadline, waiting not-so-patiently for multiple super-important documents, and rejoicing like crazy when all of the final preparations were done. Not to mention doing all of this on top of a normal class load. Still, two and a half years have passed by so quickly that I'm left wondering how I can possibly drag these next 5 months out so that they don't pass just as quickly.
The last of my final preparations - obtaining a student visa - I finished last week. I know it might seem like I waited until the last minute to get my visa but as anyone who has ever studied in Japan knows, in order to get a visa you have to first receive a Certificate of Eligibility - something that the Japanese government (or whoever in Japan issues it) usually doesn't send out until 3-4 weeks before the start of the study abroad program. Therefore, after receiving my CoE, this past week consisted of two trips to Chicago - one to turn in my application and passport and another to pick up my visa.
Since it's been a few years since I've had the opportunity to go to Chicago, my mother and I decided to take advantage of this trip and do some sightseeing. After turning in my visa application, we decided to spend a couple hours exploring all the different shops in Water Tower Place, just a block away from the Japanese Consulate. We bought a couple things, ate lunch, and then leisurely walked down to Millennium Park while snapping a couple pictures along the way.
I remember thinking that the time was going so slowly - after all it was 2 years away. But here I am now, only 11 days away from flying out of this country and all I can think of is how quickly this time has passed. Sure, a lot has happened in between then and now - numerous emails with my adviser, preparing all of my required documents, frantically calling my company when some documents were rejected near the deadline, waiting not-so-patiently for multiple super-important documents, and rejoicing like crazy when all of the final preparations were done. Not to mention doing all of this on top of a normal class load. Still, two and a half years have passed by so quickly that I'm left wondering how I can possibly drag these next 5 months out so that they don't pass just as quickly.
The last of my final preparations - obtaining a student visa - I finished last week. I know it might seem like I waited until the last minute to get my visa but as anyone who has ever studied in Japan knows, in order to get a visa you have to first receive a Certificate of Eligibility - something that the Japanese government (or whoever in Japan issues it) usually doesn't send out until 3-4 weeks before the start of the study abroad program. Therefore, after receiving my CoE, this past week consisted of two trips to Chicago - one to turn in my application and passport and another to pick up my visa.
Since it's been a few years since I've had the opportunity to go to Chicago, my mother and I decided to take advantage of this trip and do some sightseeing. After turning in my visa application, we decided to spend a couple hours exploring all the different shops in Water Tower Place, just a block away from the Japanese Consulate. We bought a couple things, ate lunch, and then leisurely walked down to Millennium Park while snapping a couple pictures along the way.
We stopped for a few minutes to enjoy the view of the Chicago River.
Being able to see Chicago this way made me appreciate it a little more. Nearly every time I'd been there in the past I was always a part of a group. We were herded like cattle from place to place trying to fit in everything we had planned to do. And while I had fun on those trips, I don't feel like I got the chance to actually stop and truly look at my surroundings and appreciate where I was. This trip was completely different.
After a decent walk, we arrived at Millennium Park and were greeted by the sight of ice skaters. There were graceful skaters, stumbling walkers (I can't really call what they were doing "skating"), and overexcited kids clinging to the walls. Seeing all of this made me want to lace up and get on the ice!
After a decent walk, we arrived at Millennium Park and were greeted by the sight of ice skaters. There were graceful skaters, stumbling walkers (I can't really call what they were doing "skating"), and overexcited kids clinging to the walls. Seeing all of this made me want to lace up and get on the ice!
Of course, if you go to Millennium Park there is one thing that you must see. The Cloud Gate, aka "The Bean." To be honest, I didn't know that "The Bean" was not its true name - I don't think I've ever heard anyone refer to it as anything other than that!
We ended up walking by the Chase Promenade and through the Lurie Garden. Although most of the plants in the garden looked dead when we were there I'm sure it's absolutely beautiful during the spring.
I love how the fog caused the buildings to appear as if they were starting to disappear halfway up. My love for clear skies in the city just about balances out my love for foggy days where the next block is slightly hidden from view. Eventually it was time for us to start heading back to Union Station.
Before reaching Union Station, we stopped and ate at the Panera Bread directly across the street from the Sears/Willis Tower.
This day trip to Chicago was an exciting way to wrap up the fall semester and with the holidays coming soon it's time for me to pack up and say goodbye to my friends, family, and the US for the next five months.
Thanks for taking the time to read this! More to come soon!
Thanks for taking the time to read this! More to come soon!