I guide quite a few international AGC trips. Having been to over 80 countries and lived for extended periods in Spain, England, Papua New Guinea, Guatemala, Kenya, Turkey, and Mexico (in addition to the U.S.), people often ask where my interest in traveling and living overseas began. The answer is simple: my high school Spanish teacher and her nomination of me for a scholarship to spend the summer between my junior and senior years of high school living with a host family in Japan.
Travel Before Technology: A Different Era
This was back in 1988—before the internet, before cell phones, and when making a long-distance call cost a small fortune, let alone an international one. Oh, and you could still choose between smoking and non-smoking seats on the airplane!
After an orientation with 100 other students (there were two representatives per state, and I was one from New Jersey), I spent an unforgettable two months living with the Shimotsuma family in Ibaraki, Japan (between Osaka and Kyoto). I have so many wonderful memories and have wanted to return ever since.
My First Summer in Japan
The family who hosted me was incredible—I remember going to school with my host sister and realizing that written English was taught in school, but spoken English was not. The family took me to visit many local sites in Kyoto and Osaka and introduced me to countless aspects of Japanese culture. I still laugh when thinking about my first dinner, when they served me spaghetti with ketchup to make me feel at home.
I spent most of my time with my host sister and her friends (we even traveled to an onsen, or Japanese bath) and with my host mother, who spoke little English—but somehow, we managed. It was my first time traveling alone, my first time outside of the U.S. (other than a family trip to Cancun), and the people, culture, nature, and food were all as foreign and as mesmerizing as they could possibly be to my 17-year-old self.
How My Early Adventure Inspired Future Travel
When I first learned about Japan’s long-distance hiking trails, I knew I would make it back someday. I’ve been hoping for years to have the privilege of guiding one of AGC’s Japan trips, Japan's Culture and Countrysideand Japan’s Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage. I was over the moon when I received notice that I would be guiding Japan's Culture and Countrysidein 2026!
Tracking Down My Host Family
I decided to try to track down the Shimotsuma family immediately. This proved difficult, as Japan keeps citizen information very private, so my internet search led nowhere. I ended up digging through boxes of childhood keepsakes, finding my yukata (a cotton kimono I sewed with my host mother), my calligraphy art, and lots of old photo albums. I also found an airmail letter from the Shimotsuma family with their address and decided to write them—yes, an old-fashioned pen-and-paper letter. I headed to the post office, bought an international stamp, and waited.
Several weeks later, I received an email from my host sister, Sayaka. She still lives in Japan, as does her mother, and my letter had reached them through their local community. I plan to visit them before the AGC trip begins.
Returning to Kyoto and Beyond
While our AGC itinerary will take us to new places, we’ll also visit some of the same sites in my photos—like the temples of Kyoto—and I know the experience will only deepen my love for this amazing country. Speaking of love, I can’t wait to once again savor Japanese cuisine, which goes far beyond noodles and sushi. The variety, creativity, and presentation are second to none.
Nearly 40 years later, I’ll finally return to Japan—to reunite with my host family and guide this AGC adventure. I truly can’t wait and feel deeply grateful for the opportunity.
