After I was done with my exams for last semester (and I passed most of them) I decided to go travelling. It was the first time that the exams were put closer together so I actually had quite some free time. Well, since I don't have to go to lectures anymore it kind of didn't really matter when my next semester started, but officially we had six weeks of free time Anyways, I thought about going to the US for some time before, and after a week or two after my last exam I just decided to go for real, went to a travel agency and booked a flight for not even a week later. I spent about 6 and 1/2 weeks there, visiting friends that I made while I studied in Japan, and of course did some sight seeing. It was interesting, and it was nice visiting my friends, but if I have some time to travel next spring (and I hope I will) ten out of ten times my decision will be pro Japan and contra US.
So next step will be looking for a research project that I can do the next six to eight weeks or so (required for my study) and also for an internship that I can start next spring (also required).
Maybe I will find some time and patience to submit some more pictures (of Japan).