#coolJAPAN Series: WILDEST DREAMS (Day 1)

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.