I have never met so many people who are so incredibly nice, helpful, and gracious in my life. From the two graduate students - Sean and Yoichi - who showed us around Tokyo for over 8 hours, to our new friend Mitsu, who gave us an all-day guided tour through the incredibly complicated subway system, to the recipients of aid we delivered that wouldn't let us leave withought presenting us with a small gift of appreciation. Everyone was so perfectly genuine and thoughtful that it was truly amazing. 

So, I am using this blog entry to thank the people who made our trip to Tokyo so much more rewarding than it ever could have been otherwise.
 
Japan seems like it would be a scary place to travel for foreigners. There is no way to piece together the language if you dont know it, and in a place like Tokyo it can be overwhelming and scary. But everyone we met was so helpful that I can honestly say it was easier than traveling in many other countries where I have known much more of the language. If you look confused for even a minute, someone will jump at the chance to offer you help. It makes the country much more accessible that one might imagine.

The fact that Japan so different, so new and exciting, and so rich in culture and history, is all the more reason to see it for yourself.

- Cody Reneau