I left blogging to the very last grasp deliberately in order to have a record of my exact feeling prior leaving. Well, I am quite nervous and at the same time feeling extremely excited. I think I have done well and at the same time I am afraid that I don’t know enough...
As we all are undertaking a huge step to something new and unknown, preparation is essential for success, but one must keep in mind that feeling fully prepared may be a sign of overconfidence and also quite harmful experience.So, I thing that pretty much explains why most of the interns are having mixed feelings.

Despite the fact that last couple of months went quite quickly, there was time to celebrate success and relax, and time prepare for the real challenge.
After sitting my exams, I started right on to learn Japanese. However, studying a language without knowing the alphabet proved to be not so straight forward. I was quite satisfied with the level have achieved – I know the transcriptions of numbers, greetings, some idea how to ask for stuff (using a phrase book!!), but probably no idea what the people will be saying back...
Japan will be the third foreign county I will live in.  I am familiar with the entire moving, packing, travelling and dealing with everything in a totally new environment.  The big difference now is that for a first time I do not understand and speak the language. This will be valuable experience, I think, and my sincere hopes are to have a good grasp of the Japanese culture and language eventually.

So my current status, 3 days prior leaving is as follows:
1) Basic understanding of Japanese;
2) Conformation of the Japanese embassies in UK and Bulgaria, that I do not require a visa;
3) Almost everything packed, plus an idea/list f what else I need to take with me;
4) A “Must See” List for all the places I want to visit in Tokyo, including a basic idea how to move around in the city;
5) Flights and Hotels booked for my 3 days adventure to get to Tokyo;
6) Details about my first day at work
7) Great advice from my mentor Holly Bachelor – Thanks, Holly!
I want to say thank you to the SF team as well. It has been a great pleasure to work with such professionals! As I am used to arrange all formalities on my own, I am aware of the amount of work that needs to be done, so I deeply appreciate it. Many of the interns may not know that, but finding a place to stay, research visas and book flights is quite time consuming and tough.
I am going to an organisation that makes things happen! All parties –the Saltire Foundation, the participating organisations and the interns, made this amazing opportunity happen and it is here now, only couple of days away from happening!

Now we all should make the most of it.
Personally I will give my best to do so.

*written on 07/07/2010, before heading to Scotland