Goodbye Asia

March 13-March16

After a lovely trip to Singapore, I flew back to the Philippines and spent more time with Carlo, his family, and his friends. This gave me a couple of days to rest before my long trip home. The earthquake in Japan hit while I was in Singapore, and it made me nervous about my travel plans. My flight home was from Manila to Tokyo and then Tokyo to Chicago. I called United and was told that I could change my flight for free from Tokyo to Chicago, but I would need to work with Japan Airlines to change the other flight. After calling the number for Japan Airlines in the US, I learned that the my other flight could only be changed unless I called the Japanese office, which was next to impossible to contact. As a result, I took the original two flights and prayed that I would be ok. Of course, during this time I kept an eye on the news and saw the issues with the nuclear power plant. I know that others were also concerned about my travels. Fortunately, everything went smoothly (for the most part), and I am back in the United States.

Wow. I just spent three months exploring Asia. Honestly, it feels like a dream. During that time I took a total of 21 flights, and I have been in more countries than I can count on one hand. I lived with four different families and caught up with friends in many countries. I also have new friends in many of those locations. As a result of this experience, my frame of reference has changed, and I have a better understanding of how the world works. Thank you for joining me on this journey. If you have a chance to study abroad or your children are considering it, I highly recommend the experience. What I learned during my trip through Asia cannot be taught in a classroom.

People are asking me about my favorite place or my best story. I don't have a favorite or a best. Each experience taught me something new. I am so thankful that my friends suggested that I write this blog because it reminds me of how much I learned during this trip.

It's sad to think that my adventure is over. However, when one thing ends, another thing begins.