The time is running out….

"Aku melihat di atas awan"

Visiting Japan was always my dream. After senior high school’s graduation ceremony, I told my friend that someday I would go to Japan for any reason such as study, vacation or participate in a competition (to win a prize). Presently I am fourth year bachelor degree student at Bogor Agricultural University. I was always looking for an opportunity to go to Japan. I saw that my dream can become a reality. I was surfing the net. Bingo!! I saw the advertisement for a writing contest conducted by “Japan Airlines (JAL)”. It offered a fantastic prize, the trip to Japan for 22 days. Wow, Could it be. But sadly, the contest must be written in Japanese letters. I was sad but didn’t give up. One day, my friend gave me a flier which contained information about exchange students to The University of The Ryukyus, Okinawa Japan. I decided to join that program, and my journey begun.

October 1^st, I arrived at Okinawa after came an overnight stop over at Taiwan. Nice-blue skies; beautiful cities; kind people was the impression I had of Okinawa. I was so surprised when I saw my room in “Senbaru Dormitory” B412. Oh my god! My floor was so dirty and unregulated well. A lot of ‘manga’ all over the floor, CD-Games were scattered in the living room. I felt so bad at that time. But, my Japanese friends extended a warm welcome to me. They were very enthusiastic talked with me. Maybe, I could learn Japanese language from them, I thought. At that time I forgot the situation of the dormitory and thought that I am here is learn and I can cope with this. To my surprise my bad memories of the dormitory was shout lived as I was moved to another dormitory building which was more clean and comfortable. My floor mates friendly, irrespective of their shy behavior

When I came to Okinawa, it was the holy month of Ramadhan, as a Muslim student I must fast during the day. No family, no friend(s), cooking by myself, fasting during the day, adapting with new circumstances, learning Japanese as soon as possible were my most difficult times. Gradually, I could enjoy life in Okinawa. Learning Japanese language, practicing my research with the microalgal topic under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Shoichiro Suda, making a lot of friends and joining international student football club made me a much happier person.

I got an opportunity to visit mainland Japan (Kyoto, Nara, Siga, and Osaka) through the international student trip program. Actually, the trip was conducted for the final year graduate students. Because the seats were still available, they gave chance to the exchange student to join that program through lottery. As an exchange student, I registered, and I was selected. Should call myself lucky or; what do you think? With meager five thousand yen, we could go to mainland for three days and two nights including airfare, transportation, and accommodation. How lucky am I!!

International Student Japanese Language Speech Contest

Having learned Japanese language for about four months, I participated at “Ryukus University International Student Speech Contest 2008”. I took part at the basic level. I talked about my great experience during the trip to mainland. At that time, I told about my first experience seeing the snow and entering the onsen. The audiences were cracking up while listening to my speech. Fortunately, I was a prize winner along seven other students.

My journey hasn’t finished yet. I don’t want my time here wasted. I want to learn everything that I can, and improve myself but I know time is running out. Practicing research, taking Okinawa history class, playing football, snorkeling, and I join to “The Ryukyus University Taekwondo Club”. It was tiring but I was enjoying. I learn and enjoy at the same time. Besides that, I took up diving lessons here in Okinawa under “Japanese Underwater Diving Federation (JUDF)” certification. I dived at a few diving spots in Okinawa such as Cape Maeda, Sunabe and Odo Beach. Now, I am proudly said I got my diving license in Okinawa, Japan. Okinawa is known for its beautiful underwater scenery that explains the reason why so many tourists come visit Okinawa especially during the summer time. By diving, I prove it is true. I like hiking and mountain climbing so I decided before I go back to my country I would hike up to mountain Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan. Finally, I could set foot on the highest peak in Japan (3776 m from the sea level). Amazing!!

I shall leave Okinawa, Japan with loads of memories that I shall cherish life long. I am grateful to JASSO who support my finances during my exchange program (STRP), The University of The Ryukyus, all of my teachers especially Prof. Dr. Shoichiro Suda who taking care and teaching me many things, Okinawa for its exotic culture and thousand experiences, and all of my friends who made my stay a memorable one. See you next time on another part of the earth. I will miss you guys, Peace!

“May Peace Prevail on Earth” (Mt. Fuji 3776m)