Rollercoaster Ride before Departure

Last year, I blogged about what happened to my supposed trip to Japan, the Japan East-Asia Network for Students and Youths (JENESYS). As promised, our trip was moved just this summer, April 11-22, 2010. This will be my first entry as I reminisce and share my stories and experiences about my first out-of-country trip.

It was April 11, Sunday, when I went to Manila for the Pre-Departure Orientation Programme. It was my first time boarding a plane alone regardless of the fact that my uncle gov (governor) incidentally took the same flight with mine. What I thought would be fun became my worst trip when I had to pay additional fee for my excess baggage and when my sinusitis lingered in the middle of the flight. It was an excruciating pain like I had taste of hell. Nevertheless, it was fulfilling to be travelling by myself. My uncle was in a hurry and so we had to separate ways at the NAIA arrival area. Good thing he gave me additional pocket money. I felt better. Heheh. I knew I had to go to the second floor so I can take a cab that’s way cheaper. It was pitiful of me and embarrassing to carry my heavy baggage while I take the stairs. It was around 2 AM when I arrived at the College of St.Benilde Hotel, the same hotel we stayed last year. Upon entering the hotel, my supervisors and some of my groupmates who were standing by the lobby welcomed me. I felt really excited seeing them again. I stayed at room 1611 and shared it with a schoolmate, Leo, an Engineering student. He’s also my roommate last year.

During the two-day orientation programme, we had series of activities like that of last year’s. We had our practice of our group presentations, we visited the Japanese Embassy, and we had some brief lectures and orientation. I wasn’t able to prepare all the things I had to bring during the trip and so I thought of going out of the hotel to buy some necessary stuff at the nearby mall. Unfortunately, I wasn’t allowed. At the back of my mind, I was wondering why I have not completed the things I have to bring when I already paid for excess baggage. During our medical check-up, I was asked to consult the resident doctor of the hotel when they found out that I’m having headache and runny nose during the past few days. I don’t want to take it seriously but I felt really anxious because I even have to present a certificate from the doctor that I’m in a good condition to travel. I knew one case of a delegate from the previous batch who was not able to join the trip and was forced to remain because he was ill. Good thing I didn’t have the same fate like him. The doctor just gave me a prescription of medicines to take. I kept from the doctor the possibility that it was maybe because of undiagnosed sinusitis.

We were set to travel for Japan on April 13, Tuesday. We should be ready by 5 in the morning so we could bring our baggage and room key to the breakfast venue. By 6 AM, we will be leaving the hotel. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to wake up on time. I was in a real rush. I was so embarrassed when I found out that the supervisors were already looking for me. Six of us in our group were late but I was the last person who arrived in the breakfast area to return the room key. I was so ashamed I didn’t take my breakfast there. Afterwards, the Japanese supervisors instructed us to ride our respective buses. They were really concerned of the time. Japanese people are really time-conscious that they are well-known for being punctual. I cursed myself for being a late comer and promised not to do it again. I was really uncomfortable during our way to the airport. I cannot contain myself for what happened and I knew our group supervisors would scold us. Upon arrival at the international airport, the ambiance changed when we took group pictures. I was feeling better then. I was so wary of my important belongings like camera, travel documents, cellphone and wallet that I managed to keep them in a small bag which was with me all the time. I was getting restless at the airport as we pass through the check-in, immigration and boarding areas. I have to be cautious of my travel documents- air ticket, passport, boarding pass, and embarkation card. At the boarding area, we were told to set our watches one hour forward (Japan time). We stayed there for about an hour waiting to board the flight JL746.

It was my first out-of-country trip. It was exciting at the same time nerve wrecking. At last, the long wait was over! I told myself, “JAPAN, HERE I COME!”

(and so the journey continued...)