July 05th, 2018

Finally in Japan!

As my alarm rang at 4:30, I started realizing that I was really going to Japan. That in about a days time, I'd be in a totally different country, half way across the world away from my friends and family. It was a confusing feeling- a strange mix between overwhelming excitement and crippling anxiety. A mix that I had faith would soon blend into a feeling of straight joy and happiness...anytime now.
Since I first heard about the scholarship being offered, one thing had constantly been weighing down my mind- even making me reconsider my application at times. That thing was my fear of flying. But I had told myself that if it meant I would be able to spend two weeks in Japan if I could handle a mere eleven hours being scared, it would be worth it. And I still feel the same way,however, I underestimated how badly it would be. The flight was dreadful for me. And I'm sure it was dreadful for Jess and Gabby who had to hold my disgustingly tear stained hands during takeoff, landing and while experiencing turbulence. I was terrified, and I didn't even know why. I knew the plane wouldn't crash or anything, but my body was convinced that everything could and would go wrong. In the worst moments, I couldn't breath properly and every little insignificant thing became the next reason that something was going wrong. But once we landed , my traumatizing flying experience suddenly became worth it. I was in Japan!

In all honesty, our first day in Japan was VERY hectic and I don't even feel like writing about it. To put it simply, it was very tiring,hot and humid. There was lots of waiting around, carrying heavy luggage through the hot city streets and way too many people(WAY too many people). Awkward encounters (eg. Knocking on an apartment door thinking it's ours only to be met by some old guy opening the door saying NANI?) made me feel out of place and overwhelmed, but also lightened the mood for a while. But at the end of the day when we were able to go to sleep in our house, I felt great. I was finally in Japan! And while I may not have enjoyed my first day as much, I knew that things would only get better.