Leaving Miami was hard; it didn't feel like going off to college, anymore. It felt like I was leaving and never coming back! But, since that's not the case, the tears subsided and I was able to make it to my flights on time. "Saying goodbye sucks!"My mom said; boy, was she right!
Once I got going, it was easy to forget the fact that I was heading to Japan; when traveling, I just try not to forget anything at the airport or on planes! The flight was fantastic: an empty seat next to me (empty plane, for that matter!), awesome food, impeccable service. Sure, it was 12 hours long, but being able to sleep and watch good movies made it all the better :)
I arrived yesterday afternoon (Japan time), which is around 3am Miami time. There was no welcoming committee (Narita airport is too far out of the way for that), so I had to navigate the airport all by myself- what a welcome, huh! It was a daunting task: first, navigate Immigration and Customs (I received a Residence Card! Now I'm official!); second, send my largest suitcase to my host family through Japan's version of UPS; third, exchange my American dollars into Yen; finally, buy a Narita Express Train ticket to Tokyo Station in order to meet up with my friend...phew! Once I could sit down on the train and relax a little, it all sunk in: I'm in Japan, and I'm not going back to America for a LONG time...woo hoo!!! That's when the excitement truly began.
Japan is as hot as hell (especially since they aren't really using their A/C's to full capacity, due to the nuclear reactor meltdowns causing a lack of electricity). So far, that's the only negative thing I've experienced. The food is still amazing, the trains still run on time, and the people are as helpful as ever (except when it comes to a little foreign girl lugging around 2 suitcases, a stuffed dog toy, and a backpack. Yeah, when it comes to that they just stare lol).
It's been a whirlwind adventure and it's only just begun! Today's a fresh, new day and I'm going to enjoy it to the fullest!
