Before going to Japan I had imagined my experience of studying abroad as being the exact opposite of how it actually turned out. I had come up with the idea that I would not relate to a single person in my program, nor would I have any desire to spend time with or make friends with anyone there. I was to be alone with nothing else to keep me company but my music and my books. Trips were supposed to be taken solely by myself so that I could take time to reflect and contemplate my life; the current situation I was in and what possible directions I would have to take after returning to my terrible life back in America. I loved being alone and lost within my own thoughts and I really never expected to meet someone I would be on the same wavelength with. I could not believe how wrong I would become.
The day before I left to Japan was a nightmare, and it eerily foreshadowed what would enfold during my time in Japan and when I would return. In short, my father cussed out my husband (now ex-husband) and they despised each other--immensely; my sister got into a huge fight with her roommates who were my close “friends” over the last couple of years; and on top of that, Mr. Head scene honcho, who vehemently hated me, had turned most of my “friends” against me and they all gave me the cold-shoulder the night before. I could not wait to get the heck out of that city to be away from it all in Yokohama where I would not have to worry about this ridiculous drama.
Everything was falling apart.
I was in need of a break.
I desperately needed change in my life.
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Sitting alone in a chair in San Francisco International airport I thought about how the moment I had waited for nearly half my life was finally becoming a reality. I was going to Japan! I was about to embark on the biggest, most frightening adventure of my life and I was so ready for it. The only thing I knew I would miss wholeheartedly was my cat. She was my best friend and, I must add, the greatest cuddler of all time. The thought of not having her purring and drooling while nuzzled cozily beneath my arms devastated me more than the fact that I would no longer be with my supposed friends and family. In all actuality, I was more than happy to be getting away from my abusive husband and drama-filled hardcore/punk scene “friends.” I needed time to think. I used the excuse that Japan would help me with my future--and I have no doubt it will look fantastic on my resume--but I had always wanted to spend a portion of my life there since I was a little girl. Japan had always seemed like a magical place to me and I had wanted to go there more than I had wanted anything in my life.
While waiting for my flight I had spotted Brad who, along with one other boy from my college, would be going to Yamate-Hashi National University* through the DINO Program* as well. Brad was not my favorite person in the world, and to be honest, I had always thought of him to be an ass since the day I met him as he was really quite condescending.
We both put on our fake smiles, and greeted each other.
“Are you ready to go to Japan?” He asked.
“Yes! I’m ready!” I beamed back.
Brad, being the little bitch that he was, replied, “Well then, you aren’t really ready because you don’t know what to expect," and then turned his back on me to sit down.
I smirked, nodded and then exposed my shit-eating grin and agreed with the all-knowing self-titled ambassador of our city to Japan and president of my university's Japan Club that he was right! Of course, I had no right to say I was ready for Japan because, unlike him who had already studied there for a year at the prestigious Waseda University in Tokyo, I had NEVER been to Japan before and could not be ready for it. The jack-ass. However, he was right when he said I didn't know what to except about Japan, but he had no idea exactly how ready I was to get to Japan.
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The plane flight was perhaps the most irritating experience of my life. Not only was Mr. Obnoxious "ambassador" sitting close-by, but I would end up sitting in next to a psychotic man who was being followed by the FBI! What had happened could have easily been seen in a comedic sitcom or the complete opposite--a horror movie.
I sat down in my aisle seat only to immediately having to stand back up for the man who would be sitting near the window. He introduced himself giving his full name, Phil Dylan, and then told me he was going to Thailand and promised not to bother me too much throughout the flight. I smiled but didn't say anything back. I was not keen on making friends with this seemingly lonely, needy middle-aged man whose only carrier-on luggage was an acoustic guitar he claimed to play classically; hence the reason he wore his fingernails long. He reminded me of my then father-in-law a lot. He talked too much, about himself of course, and would not shut up even though he knew he was grating on everyone's nerves. I decided it would be best to keep my headphones on throughout the entire flight and crossed my fingers hoping the battery would not die.
A nice-looking woman found her way to her seat situated in between us when the pilot of the plane walked down the aisle and stopped by our row. The pilot? I wonder what he could possibly want? Next thing you know, he's shaking hands with this weirdo Phil guy and then asked in a tone that a parent would give to their five-year old, "Phil, are you going to behave yourself on this flight? Or do we need someone to sit next to you?"
I froze. What!? Who was this man, and why would he need to behave himself? Phil laughed and said he was nothing but a gentleman on plane flights and claimed he wouldn't pick up on any of the airline hostesses.
A few minutes after the pilot had left, security continued to walk down our aisle making it obvious that they were there to keep an eye on Phil. The lady between us must have been dying! Luckily for her, she was given a new seat in first class and a man was given her place. The man was of middle-eastern descent, quiet, middle-aged and dressed very properly. Phil immediately picked up conversation with him, telling him exactly what he had told me.
"I'm going to Thailand!" He laughed and then hesitated to say, "but..." he paused and smirked to himself, "you already knew that, didn't you, Mr. FBI Agent? And you," he quickly glanced at me, "Mr. FBI Agent's assistant."
-Ofilia
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