First Days Revisited: #1 My Arrival in Japan

Before I launch into all the interesting things I've been getting into, I would first like to spend the next few posts revisiting the early days of my time in Tsukuba, Japan. So please relax, sit back and join these trips down memory lane!

Getting on the plane at San Francisco International Airport was, for me, a mixed bag of emotions. While I had been dreaming of this moment my whole life I was somewhat torn about the prospect of leaving my life in California behind. So there I was with the airport check in line in front of me and behind me, my poor Mom crying over watching her baby bird flutter away (being the youngest, I am always the baby ;o). For a fleeting moment I even pondered if I shouldn't go at all. But when it came down to it, I knew in my heart that I had to go and fulfill my dreams - who knows when this opportunity would come again? So I hugged my Mom tight one last time and then trumped forward. Onward to Japan, onward to my dreams!

The flight to Japan was very long, about 11 hours, and overall very pleasant. It was at the airport that I met Rochelle, another Sac State student who was also participating in the CSU IP program in Tsukuba, Japan. She and I became fast friends (and still are pretty close! Love that girl <3 <3) and sat together on the airplane. The only issue? I really wanted a window seat so I could look out the window and pretend that I'm flying through the clouds (because I'm 5 years old obviously)!. Rochelle luckily did have a window seat. The stewardesses adamantly informed us that we couldn't switch. We did anyway. This did not please the stewardesses.  They made their displeasure to us clear in passive, yet hilarious ways - things like passing right over Rochelle when ice cream was passed out or offering everyone ice with their water but not Rochelle. Touché stewardesses. Touché. Of course we couldn't be defeated that easily and decided to borrow (steal?) their airplane blankets and cute airplane silverware in retaliation. HAHAHA take that ANA!!!

One day later (literally due to the time zone difference) we were in Japan and in awe. Yes in awe of just how hot and humid it was. I have never seen my hair poof up faster than when I got off that plane! Well, even with poofy hair, I was so excited to finally be in Japan!! I even took a pic to commemorate the awesome moment.

With hard work this could be you too!


じゃまた

Ashia