Sound off-Please if you are an American Abroad say hello and tell us where you are from.

[Out of Time Man]

39. Thanks for the warm welcome!

I've been lurking on DU since 2004, when my father introduced me to the site. I was sixteen years old then, working with my father canvasing for Kerry in Janesville, Wisconsin.

Japan is incredible in many ways. Like any nation state, it has its short comings, but the land here is unlike anything I've experienced in the States, and the people are some of the most kind and patient I've ever met.

Hiroshima city (and the prefecture at large) has plenty to see and do. However, if you have limited time to explore Japan (in my unsolicited opinion), the most bang you'll get for your buck regarding historical sites will be in Kyoto and its neighboring prefectures (Nara has a lot to offer as well if you're into historical sites).

If you're looking for more of a national park route, Hokkaido is the place to be. Many of Japan's largest national parks reside there, and in my opinion, the climate is perfect year round (being from Wisconsin, the cold and the snow make me feel at home).

I hope you get the chance to come to Japan some time, it's a place I would recommend to anyone!