One experience the State Department offers that allows for a change of pace is a temporary duty assignment, or TDY.  Back in February, I had my first of many such opportunities as I traveled to the city of Sapporo for its annual Snow and Ice Festival.  The 2026 festival featured 136 unique sculptures spread across Odori Park and Susukino Site.  It was a fun, busy week that took to me to the northern island of Hokkaido for the first time.