Last week in the U.S- september 15 2006

So here I am, in Wisconsin! Our last tour city in the U.S. In 2 days we fly to Japan- I cant believe it! I have had so much fun in the U.S.A. I love it! My host families have been so great, all of them without exception... I learned so many things, I have had so many first-time experiences. These 10 weeks were just awsome (I know that sounds so american!).

Right now I stay with Paul and Ruth Knop. They are the nicest people and they have a dog, a basset hunt (or something). I have so much fun with them, they are very special. They have a son who is in Japan right now! He studied Japanese and he is obviously in love with the culture. I stay in his room and its full of japanese books and movies and paintings on the wall, not to mention the japanese flag above the bed. Its really cool:) (again, cant wait for Japan!). Last night Ruth and Paul and I had tea and we talked for ages and it was such a cosy feeling, like I ve known them for ever.. And then I went out with Ruth and looked at the stars, it was a brilliant, clear night and the big dipper seemed so close, I have never seen that before. And I saw two falling stars, which made me really happy after an exhausting day!

Today we had a cast meeting, so we talked a little bit about our experience in the U.S. I couldnt say anything, I think that the things I have learned and the times that I had to push myself and stretch my limits were too personal to share. But hearing other people talking about their "oh sh*t" moments was interesting. Our cast manager said something that made me think.. "Live your life with principles". I realized that I dont have any strong principals.. Sure, I dont steal and I ve never killed anyone, but I dont have those strong guidelines that I would always follow in life, and I dont have any rules that I would never break. So i have to give it some thought and create some limits for myself. It may sound stupid, but its good to live with principles. I know that if I had done that before, my life in Spain would have been easier.

Oh well! Enough drama. Tomorrow is show day and Im in exploration crew (that means I can go and explore the city and have some alone time before I have a nervous break down- dont get me wrong, I love being with people, but I need my alone time!). And Saturday we leave for the country of the rising sun.

I ll keep you posted!