I promised myself at a very young age that nothing would stop me from travelling outside of the country when I turned eighteen. That promise was fulfilled in the summer of 2016 after I graduated high school and ten days later boarded a plane for the first time on the path to Japan, the place I had long since wanted to visit. The two-and-a-half week trip confirmed my passion for Japanese history and culture, which has fed my dream to one day teach English in Japan.

About one year after this epic adventure, I decided to relive it through writing poetry. Specifically, I chose haikus as form because they best relate to the connectivity to nature and experiences of simplicity and order in Japan. The number 1000 holds a special significance; it is a symbol of wisdom and longevity. For well wishes in the way of luck or health, individuals offer tributes of 1000 origami cranes at shrines in Japan. As an English major I wanted to put a spin on this idea, and so I began composing haikus that describe even the smallest moments in my travels, from start to finish.

Contained on this site are some of the poems written so far, as well as pictures of my journey. For fellow travellers, or anyone looking to travel soon, I also have ten pieces of wisdom that I believe can help you create your own trip of a lifetime!