A month with a pressing deadline goes by quickly, but a month spent relaxing goes by just as quickly. It's already been a month since my last message. In Japan, the season has changed, and the weather has become much cooler and comfortable.

As I wrote in my last message, I went out a lot in September for trips and interviews, so I thought I would write about my travels this time.

During the first half, I returned to my parents' home for the first time in a long while. I was born and raised in that area, but surprisingly I realized that there are many places I had never been to, so I toured landmarks, shrines, temples, and museums with my family. We mostly visited minor locations that you wouldn't see in a travel guide, but there were many beautiful places that soaked my heart. This trip reaffirmed my feeling that I was born in a wonderful land. Even though it was during the week, my family took time off work to spend it with me, so it was lively and fun. I'm grateful to my wonderful family.

For the second half, I traveled overseas with a friend. Actually, it was just after I returned from my hometown that we went to Cairns, Australia. I had heard that it was an area where it doesn't rain much, but before our departure, it was forecast to rain the entire time we would be there. I was a little discouraged on the plane, but it only rained a little so it didn't hinder our sightseeing. On the contrary, the locals said that the temperature was cool and comfortable, so the outcome was all right (haha) If I had to say just one thing, during the trip to Green Island, right when we got off the helicopter there was an unbelievable squall! We were suddenly splashed with more rain than I've experienced even in a typhoon. I couldn't do anything but laugh! Below is a picture of Green Island before that rain came.

After that, the rain soon stopped, and after a swim we moved to the Outer Reef to play with the fish. At any rate, I was surprised by the pretty color of the sea. Even though the weather wasn't very good, the water was unbelievably blue. I wonder how blue it would be when the weather's clear, so that makes me want to go there again.

Going to the sea and the mountains, and doing activities that are a little tough for my body that has become accustomed to deskwork, I was very worn out, but every day was so much fun! The food was also delicious (I never ate those kinds of quiche very much before, but they were very delicious so I ate them every day) Also, all of the people were cheerful and fun, so this trip was just as great as the first one.

During the plane ride back home, I was sad because my vacation is ending, but I've properly recharged my spirit so I'll be working hard toward the end of the year! Where should I go next? ♪