My brain can still conjure images of little Meha Kaul sitting cross legged in the drawing class I would attend when I was in 7^th grade. Even then, she was such an outspoken and confident child.

And when I talk about today, she is twice as confident and I might add, very successful at such a young age. Only some time ago, she embarked on a journey most would shy away from and likely run for the hills at the offer. Meha was chosen for an elaborate exchange program in Japan where she would have to live with a Japanese Family and go to a school there as well.

Thus, late at night, I scheduled a telephonic interview which went on for a good 20 minutes.

Maybe, someone here delivered a wild soliloquy, forgetting that I was even there as the interviewer.

Oh, how memories knock the breath out of us sometimes.

Read her experience!

What did this trip give to you that no other trip did?

I could talk about Japan for hours. When Japan was hit by the fourth most powerful earthquake in the world in 2011, I had a very strong inching to visit it and see how people had put their grief aside and built a new world again from the ruins and shambles that the earthquake and tsunami had left behind. I guess this trip was a dream coming true for me because I interacted with Japan, its people and its culture very closely.

I can say that this trip made me a better person. Before this expedition, I would sometimes be stricken by major mood swings. But Japan not only gave me friends across borders but also a completely new personality and a new perspective on so many things.

Were you ever homesick during your stay there?

Homesick? Well, yes. I am homesick NOW, in India! The most cherished fact is that the host family I stayed with made extra effort to communicate with me. I gathered that communication can be done without words too. Thus, when I learned that my host family did not know how to speak English eloquently, I decided to talk to them with the help of emojis, drawings and well, Google Translate. My host family is like my family now, only away from home.

Any eccentric foods you tried there? Should we hold our breaths for what you are about to tell us?

Oh yes! *cackles* I am a big foodie and a major portion of my day is spent watching MasterChef Australia and just…drooling.

Anyway, some of my favorite delicacies from Japan include Octopus Balls which my host mom made. I was flabbergasted by her amazing cooking skills! Next, we had Ramen noodles that were accompanied by a special sauce. It was mouth watering.

Now, as we all know, there are many restaurants offering a wide variety of Sushi in India, say seven. But in Japan, you have around 52 types of sushi, doing a seductive dance on a conveyer belt. My eyes almost popped out of their sockets when I saw the varieties offered there. I noshed on a lot of food with grace and pride there. *winks*

How is the teaching pattern in Japan different from India’s?

Remarkably different! Here, we can still choose what to study from a lot of subjects. There, it is imperative that you learn Chemistry and Math. You can choose from either Biology and Physics to accompany these difficult subjects after that. You are also required to choose to either study World History or Japanese History. Also, English is taught there but in a peculiar way, I’d say. First, they will write something in Japanese and then in English, Thus, the medium of studying is in Japanese ONLY.

They put special emphasis on taking a sport (say badminton or track) or learning a musical instrument there. The school timings were an unprecedented concept to me altogether. I would wake up at 5:30 AM, take two different trains, reach at 8:30 AM (that’s when school starts) and stay there until 7!

After 5:30, the students would engage in only club activity. They looked very passionate about it all. They had clubs for ikebana, calligraphy and so much more.

Were you ever terrified of any situation there?

God, yes! On my 2^nd day, I had to travel to my host family’s house all alone after the school ended. That proved to be harder than I had thought it would be. I got confused by looking at all the train signs in Japanese. However, a kind lady helped me board the right train. As soon as I exited the train, I realized that a man was stalking me. Luckily, people of Japan are very helpful, cautious and aware of their surroundings and somehow, I managed to reach home safely.

Later that evening, my host mother apologized at her lack of responsibility (I’d like to think it was entirely my fault). She even got me a beautiful set of pencils to say ‘Sorry.’ And, I just felt even more embarrassed, but her gesture melted my heart!

What do the Japanese people think of Indians?

I thought you would never ask! They think that we eat curry-all day, every day. They also seem to have a preconceived notion that we ought to cover our faces and wear bindis al the time! My Math teacher was especially surprised to know that we do have foods like pizzas and pasta here in India.

Some tips on how to make friends in an alien environment?

Smile. Become more approachable. Say hi. Ask them questions about them, their country and what they like doing. Don’t give anyone a cold shoulder. The key to making friends is to always take the initiative first. People are not going always to come up to you and strike a conversation. And don’t forget to give off positive vibes!

When Meha returned to school after coming back from Japan, we all thought that she would turn into a Japanese herself in a flick of an eye. Her nostalgia was very consistent and stubborn. Stories of her Japanese adventures vibrated against the walls of the school. No, really!

A trip, overseas or not, can be life changing. And it is entirely in your control as to whether you want to make it worthwhile or spoil it by being Negative Nelly. Meha beautifully sums up that this trip has left a powerful mark on her soul, and she will find it increasingly difficult to let go of her memories and well, the food.

P.S Meha says the word ‘Kimono’ in such an adorable way that it will force you to pinch her cheeks, Hard.