The process of getting to Japan began halfway through my last year of university. The fact that my plane left on the morning of September 11, 2001 ensured that the trip would be eventful.
Each of the following sections is constructed from key correspondence sent at the time.
Thanks to 9/11, the first thing I had to do when I got to Japan was assure everyone that I was still alive.
Getting lost, getting cash, getting 'gaijinned,' and getting used to the fact that students don't always want to talk.