It never occurred to me, not even in my wildest dreams that I’d be
flying to Japan this year. I just tried my luck with the call for participants
for the Japan-East Asia
Network of Exchange for Students and Youths
(JENESYS) 2.0 Invitation Programme for Mass Media Batch 3. I never expected all
this dream-like events that’s already happening and coming to life, with me,
here in Japan right now.
Up in the air at Japan Airlines
It
was all too much to take in. We were well-accommodated and attended to right
from the start. It was my first time to ride an airplane but since the flight
was very smooth, I did not have any problems at all rather just enjoyed
watching the clouds and the scenic views below. Of course we also had a very
sumptuous meal of chicken teriyaki with vegetables, three different kinds of
noodles, various kinds of melon, with the famous Kameda Crisps and Häagen-Dazs
ice cream.
COLOR-FOODS: In-flight meals at Japan Airlines
The
moment I set foot at Narita Airport in Japan, I can’t help but be mesmerized
with how organized, clean and fresh everything was. Breathing the fresh air, I
definitely came to my senses and realized that I was really in Japan. And along
the road, on our way to Harumi Grand Hotel, the bus went smoothly for the roads
are unlike anything I’ve experienced before. And the places we passed by, such
greenery I never expected of a place especially near Tokyo. We passed by Tokyo
Disneyland and more stunning places, places I never thought I would see.
On the road to Tokyo
I
was still in a daze when we arrived at the Harumi Grand Hotel. I didn’t expect
what I saw. There weren’t a lot of people on the streets. But this is Tokyo,
right? I saw buildings, and clear streets. It was peaceful, unlike the hustle
and bustle in Manila. At Harumi, we people welcomed us warmly. We went up our
room and were very happy with the unbelievably chic and cute apple green room. Of
course we didn’t let the bathtub go unused, so did the Japanese toilet. Up
until the moment before I sleep in that cozy room with two of my group mates, I
felt like I was still in the clouds.
Cozy in Harumi
Everything
happened so fast, and just like any daydream, it leaves you astounded. It’s as
if a fairy grandmother came and granted my wish or there was a divine
intervention. But that’s just how it is. Life, it’s full of surprises. Enjoy it while you can. Since this is only
Day One, I know there’s still a lot for me to discover here in Japan.
