After two years, I have several close Japanese friends. I also know many people in my neighborhood. The people in the local markets are very friendly. Now I feel welcome. I can speak Japanese fairly well, but my listening is still weak. I can read some signs in train stations and menus in restaurants. I still don't like Japanese winters and summers, but spring and fall are beautiful. I travel all over Japan. I often go to Kyoto, the old capital. I have one really close Japanese friend. His name is Aki. He is a lawyer for a big company. We go hiking in the mountains on weekends. He is helping me to read and understand Japanese. I feel much better about living in Japan now. I want to live here for a long time.