I haven't kept this up-to-date in a long while, so I decided to make a new account for the sake of starting fresh (and to be more current). If you're interested, my new username is fiertia.

Whoops, forgot to add that Airy Me vid. Here it is! [Link]

A friend recommended Taiwan as a good destination in you can travel alone without worry, but I haven't been yet! Sydney is also extremely safe, and interesting if you know of a few good spots--I'm glad I live here. Everything is clean, drivers are polite, and men are tame (tho there are a few stray men and dodgy neighbourhoods) See: [Link] Don't agree with that last line, though. Also, I've never had a crime committed against me, if that helps!

Kid Icarus is really cute! A bit of a strain on the hands, still. FFVI is so compelling, aaaaah. Do you plan on beating/starting any FFs soon? 牧場物語:つながる新天地 looks really cute!!! I've never played a Harvest Moon game before (games w/o strong/linear plots tend to bore me), but I guess I could start here?

(This reply got longer! I love long responses, though; keep them coming!)

older, stubblier, etc. Like, the same ole bishies do get boring after being exposed to them for so long in one sitting, and games should account for a wider spectrum of young women's desires? I mean, in theory otome games are super important (young women's desires are so important yo), but as they are, they aren't necessarily reaching their full potential. They don't exactly promote autonomy, equality, healthy relationships, safe & happy sex, and self-love/body positivity. But even without those themes the most basic thing is the player should feel like these 2D characters are romancing them/turning them on, which is impossible given that *incredible* premise. I know women get bashed enough for liking these things, so I will just say that male equivalents of otome games are in comparison a steep, steep downward flight off a cliff. I can't say I hate Hakuouki either, but I can say that I don't ever want to spend money on another installment.

Cinders looks interesting--I'll keep a lookout for it!

Yes, and Cremona was so lovely! I assume that international tourists really are pretty rare there, as the people I talked to all were curious as to why I would want to go there. Recommend the place to your mum! The view from that castle-fortress (Burg Stahleck) is incredible; one has some of the best views of the Rhine from every window facing it. The place is also extremely cheap--I think 73 euros for a room with a full board. The staff are lovely and the food tasty! I need to go back and properly explore the Rhineland sometime. Whereabouts in Germany did your mum stay? I would recommend Bavaria too, though for Munich I would stay a kilometre away from the Central Station. Good luck achieving your dream trip to Sweden!

indeed. I think it helped that I was prepared for the possibility of those things, so I wasn't disappointed when I got there. And those gripes are minor compared to getting to travel!

I'm under the impression that the majority of Americans do not tend (or like) to travel internationally. Is this true? In all honestly I plan to avoid travelling to the States because it seems like such a hateful, overcrowded place.

If it helps I have some recommendations! Anywhere in East Asia is fairly safe (be a little wary when transacting and eat street food with discretion though) and very scenic as well as culturally rich: I love Beijing and Tokyo and didn't struggle in those places, although I was a young teen last time I went.