I had never flown before, so my first flight was an experience in itself. Before take off, I felt like I was waiting for American airports are extremely easy to get around, and before I know it, I felt like a seasoned traveller, even when visiting the complicated Chicago O'Hare airport, which you have to use trains to get around. The first flight went from Cleveland to Chicago, and only took about an hour. The plain was insanely small, the water they gave us tasted like spoiled milk, and the view was horrible since it was so foggy. My stomach felt a little gross after that flight too, so we picked up some Dramamine in Chicago.
Next was the flight of doom - the 12 hour flight to Tokyo. As the gate began to fill, Kaylie and I began to feel more and more like gaijin (foreigners). The plane was rather amazing to say the least -- a complete and total upgrade from the last flight. On back of the seat in front of us, there was a screen that had all kinds of movies in English and Japanese with various subtitle options. You could also listen to the most recent Japanese pop music, and play games like Tetris and reversi. I ended up sleeping maybe a total of three or so hours on the flight, but without that screen, I'm not so sure I would survive.
My heart yearned for America the first time when they served us an on-flight meal. It was some kind of chicken teriyaki, but me being the picky eater I am....let's just say it didn't sit well in my stomach. I ate the majority of what was given to me, however. The second meal was just some sandwiches. I welcomed them, and even ate an egg salad sandwich, which I have actually never had before. Third meal, to my great happiness, was pasta.
Toward the end of our flight to Tokyo, my neighbor opened the window to one of the most breathtaking scenes I have ever seen. We were above the clouds, the blue sky stretching endlessly above us over a field of fluffy white. For anyone who has seen the anime "One Piece," it was as if I was flying high above Skypiea!
Before I knew it, the twelve hours were done, and a stiff me got to finally get off the plane. We were officially in Japan.
Japanese airports are much more confusing than American ones. While there are signs, it is very easy to lose track of where you are. This being the case, Kaylie and I endured our first traveling difficulties. We somehow went ot things of order, but thankfully, there were plenty of helpful people to get us pointed in the right direction with immigration and customs forms.
We took off yet again for Osaka this time. I was completely exhausted this time, but I forced myself to stay awake due to seeing another breathtaking view from the window of my plane. It was about 5:30 PM, and the sun had set. The twinkling lights of Tokyo grew smaller and smaller as we flew away, but the jet black ocean stood out in stark contrast to the bright mainland, cutting its way into the land in snake-like shapes. It was absolutely stunning. I tried to take some pictures, but I'm afraid that none that I took would do the view justice. That and the computers here do not have SD card slots, so I have to wait until my computer has wireless service to put pictures on here.
We arrived safely, and much to my relief, so did our baggage. We met up with a former Mount alumnus, Nick, to figure out how to get us to the school. The plan was extremely overwhelming to me, and I was pretty much fretting the whole time. He helped us buy limousine bus tickets (approximately $20) to get us to the city where our college is, then told us to catch a taxi. I was so exhausted on my way to Hirakata that I kept dozing off on the bus....>_<
(Something happened to the rest of my entry! T-T...I'll try re-writing it all)
We managed to hail the very last taxi once we arrived at the station, and we were able to tell him where we wante to go. It was an awkwardly silent ride due to the driver not wanting to have to speak English. It was our first glimpse at the city we now call home. It's so full of strange things....very cool things, but strange things!
We arrived at the dorm at around 9:00PM, the only thing keeping me going being adrenaline. The otousan of the dorm came and flagged down one of the RAs, Yuji, to show us where to put our shoes (yes, you have to take them off even in a dorm!) and to get us settled into our room. He showed us the kitchen and told us where the bathroom was and all of that jazz. I'll take a picture of our room and the dorm when our third roommate moves out. We came back in the room and immediately had to figure out how to make our beds when they're futons
Futons are so warm! It's almost uncomfortably so. The only issue I have with it is the pillow. It's small and very solid, so I'm rather stiff, and if I wake up in the night it's somewhat hard for me to fall back asleep again. I might have to go buy another pillow! >_<>
I was so tired, but they gave us this huge packet full of extremely stressful things - fees, forms, rules, registration information. We looked through it carefully yesterday though so I think we're all set.
I discovered the computer lab and quickly assured everyone on facebook that I made it here alive and well! After that, I went back to the room and passed out. Oyasumi~ (good night)
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