Missing Japan...

I've had this obsession with Japan (and basically, anything Japanese) since my pre-adolescent years, when all the local channels started showing animes or japanese animations (cartoons.) Over the years, the stories, the characters, the nostalgia and drama kept a hold on my heart and even led me to study the language. (Hontou ni!) I got so fanatic that I would watch their live action dramas over our telenovelas, listen to and sing their music more than OPM or even MTV (even though I could never understand all the lyrics) and of course, patronize their merchandise (toys, books and whatnot.) Food is a different story, as most people love Japanese food, but yes, that, too, hooked me in.

I found friends who shared my addiction with Japan and our one wish was to actually travel there and experience everything firsthand. I never thought that would actually come true for me, until I found myself on Narita Airport with R and his family on 2008's Christmas week.

It was in December (duh! Christmas! Haha!), so it was really, really cold. Maybe that was just me, since I have absolutely zero tolerance for cold temperatures, but once I stepped out of the airport's glass doors, I had to put on my thick jacket over my sweater (while underneath those I was already wearing a shirt and thermal underwear! Sheesh!) I was FREEZING!!! And the light rain didn't help me feel warmer. It was a good thing the bus that would take us to our hotel was on time (not used to it. Hahaha! I am a true Filipino!) I had a fun bus ride, not only because of the heater, but because of the view. I was finally seeing Japan. And the wave of nostalgia from the memories of my favorite Japanese programs overwhelmed me (not to tears, but to silence.) The roads were clean, and traffic was light. There were naked trees among those in full bloom, but somehow, they were still beautiful to me. I was disappointed not to have glimpsed Sakura trees, but it was winter season, so... *shrug*

The most exciting part of the Japan trip for me was the fact that I was finally in a place where all that I've learned in my Japanese language classes were finally necessary! Of course, my vocabulary sucked big time but it was still so much fun because I actually understood them and they seemed to actually understand me! The outrageous tuition fees finally paid off! :) I got to be the "tour guide" of our group, since no one else knew how to speak Nihonggo, and up to this day, it still amazes me that I got us in and out of the streets and back to our hotel just by asking directions from locals. I even tried my hand at haggling in one of the souvenir stores, though it didn't work out. They were ruthless! Hahaha!

It was an unforgettable, "dream-come-true" experience!!! (And I've got my boyfriend and his family to thank for it!)

Looking back at all the pictures we took made me think of the things I got to do and the things I missed. There's a lot that I forgot to do (like eating tempura) and the list just kept on going the more I reminisced.

Well, hey, reasons to come back, right? Hahahaha! Mwah! :)