Unexpected adventures make the best memories

Brennyn Belay | Environmental Science Major - Tokyo Gakugei University, Japan

When looking back on my time I have spent in Japan, it gets very difficult to pick out one specific memory that stands out above anything else. I have had so many amazing experiences here, with some of the most amazing people I could have asked to meet. I decided to take a look at my photo album and just scroll back to the beginning of the trip and go through each photo one by one. In all honesty this made it even harder, until I saw one set of photos from about a month ago. It was photos from a Latin beach party I was invited to. I feel these photos were special because it was such a unique experience that I never could have expected to happen, especially here in Japan.

Fuji-san silhouetted by the setting sun.

What makes this so special is that I was invited by friends I just happened to meet in Shibuya city one night. We hit off and next thing I knew we were making plans for a Latin party on the sandy beaches of Kamakura (about 2 hours from Tokyo). We met at the beach and things were perfect. The weather was so hot getting in the water was a must. As the day went on we got drinks, food, and relaxed on the beach. Eventually a massive boom box came out and we danced, played volleyball, and enjoyed life for a while. Finally the sun began to hang low above the mountains and the sky turned a brilliant orange hue. Seeking a break from the music and dancing, a friend and I swam out and floated in the water watching the sunset. As the sun dipped down it illuminated Fuji-san, silhouetting it over the orange sky. I remember at that moment, watching the sunset while talking to my friend about life, everything was perfect. I had no worries, no regrets, just so in love with the moment, and so happy I could have the opportunity to experience it. It's moments like these I'm not sure I will ever get to experience again, and I think that's what makes them so amazing. Since being in Japan, I have learned so much about the world, people, and myself. I feel so lucky to have met the people that I have, and done the things I have. My time studying here in Japan, attending Tokyo Gakugei University really has been an amazing experience. It has inspired me to continue with my Major of Environmental Science, but also to keep an open mind. The world is so full of opportunities, if you don't keep your eyes open, you might miss them.