Greetings Everyone!

[Alivi]

Heya!

So I dunno exactly what to say here and what not to say. I guess I should start with the basics. I'm Alivi, I'm a student who is currently studying in Japan and will be soon returning to America.

I joined when one of my friends was talking about the Rebellion. It seemed like fun and something I would love. So I figured I'd give it a shot. Overall I am a bit worried? I guess... a lot of things in my life is turning upside down (when do they not) and I am realizing I am coming to the point where I need to step up and live for me. One of the things I want to do is lose weight and to learn how to run again.

I plan on using exercises other than running in order to help me lose weight (Such as Swimming, walking, biking) as well as better controlling my portion sizes and using more fresh ingredients in my cooking and less processed foods. Since coming to Japan I've been able to get a bit of a better start with that but I have a long way to go.

As for running, I'm still a bit at a loss... pacing myself has always been a weakness of mine. So maybe I will learn how to be patient with myself.

My hope is to just eventually be at a point where I've lost weight and am living a healthier lifestyle I can be proud of as well as maybe get a bit more confident in my own choices someday. That's kinda what I guess I would imagine my superhero to be if that makes sense.

This was a bit longer than I planned it to be. Either way I look forward to working with everyone.

[Critter]

Welcome to the Rebellion! What's been your favorite experience during your time in Japan?

[Alivi]

Oh goodness... I have so many. Like going to my friend's wedding.... seeing various sights or finally finding a beach, trying the new foods, etc.

I have to say one of my top favorites was hiking the Nakasendo road between Magome and Tsumago. I went alone on that trip but during the hike I met an elderly Japanese couple and then an Australian woman and we all traveled together. It is incredibly beautiful and it was during summer. The distance between the two towns was 7.7 km I think if I remember right. The road took you through the woods and forests and past waterfalls and through towns. It was just constantly stunning. And it was awesome getting to know strangers and an interesting experience of travelers banding together for a bit then going separate ways.

Another was the trip to Gujo in Gifu Prefecture. The town was nestled in the mountains and the river and water was just so clean and clear it was Amazingly beautiful. My group and I took a trip hiking the mountain. It was probably one of the hardest hikes I've ever had to do. But it was very rewarding and awesome. Times the view was stunning.

I love seeing the castles and history of Japan it is always like an adventure. Each trip I've been on I have something I have loved, lord knows I have about 22 facebook photo albums filled with 100-300 photos in each...

[Critter]

That all sounds so awesome! Thank you for sharing. =)

Japan is like one of the top places I want to visit. And the way you describe it reinforces that desire! I could imagine just starting at one end of Japan and slowly traveling up or down the whole country and never lack for amazing things to see or do.