"Please fasten your seat belts." 

I felt the goosebumps on my skin rise in excitement as I quickly strapped myself into my seat, awaiting the end of a dreadfully long flight.

Luckily I had managed to get a window seat. I quickly looked through the small circular window, my breath making a light mist on the glass as I did so. We were flying above a sheet of white, fluffy cloud. The sun was blinding and keeping my window blind open was disturbing to the others in the seats around me, I did get some complaints at times but hey, there's a reason I wanted that seat!

But now it wasn't much of a problem as most of those who were in the plan opened their blinds, taking some time to adjust to the blinding light, but like me, they had gotten over the clouds and they awaited to see the sight of relief, Japan.

The plane started to dip through the clouds slowly, making the air pressure change dramatically. It was the time for many to yawn or to open and close their mouths like dying fish to prevent their ears from blocking. 

I kept watching as the sheet of white disappeared and I saw land, It was actually Japan! 

Japan...

I was in Japan...

I felt a surge of energy shoot through my veins, my body was no longer tired and sick with the taste of the long flight, but it was high  with the electric energy levels of happiness and excitement. Coming to Japan was a goal I had since I was really small, it's one of the memories I still remembered. I didn't have an anticipated age to visit this country, but I guess 25 isn't bad. I think it's perfect!

Getting closer to the long runway only made me  more happier. I had never felt this happy before. This was a dream come true. I saved up my own money since secondary school to come here. Yes, I love this country that much, and I haven't even visited it once.

Well, not until Now!!!!!!

*Squeals*

The familiar ding went off as the flight attendant's soft voice filled the plane for a few seconds.

"Welcome to Japan."

  ☆彡 ☆彡☆彡 

I don't think I've ever felt time go so slow while waiting to get off the plane. There were so many flights it took us some time to land, afterwards, having a large airport, finding a terminal to get off from after landing was agonizing. But I just couldn't wait to get out of the airport and to step on the busy pavement. I think I would actually scream in happiness and have people stare at me like some crazy person. 

Dragging my black suitcase I made it past security. I walked out of the arrivals area where I was met the faces of some eager people waiting for other passengers, a driver stood with a board with an English name written on it. Not a name I knew. It must have been for a foreign businessman who must have come to Japan for some work for the first time or something. I'm just assuming things, I couldn't help the fact that my heart was almost about to jump out of my chest for the excitement. 

The glass doors slid open and I was met with the breeze of Japan. my long,wavy brown hair brushed passed my shoulders and to my back as I walked out of the airport alone with my luggage, my light pink converse shoes skipped over the light red line at the doors and to the cold, grey pavement.

"Japan.." I whispered as I looked around happily. I was feeling emotions of happiness and excitement at levels I had never experienced before.

Quickly remembering some tips of travelling in Japan, I smiled friendly at the people and stood at the side of the pavement, waiting to catch a taxi. 

I managed to get one and the driver helped me with my luggage and I got in. I thanked him in Japanese and gave him a paper with the address to my cousin's place in which I was going to stay at during my visit. I only knew basic Japanese and did my best to ask him to take me there. He smiled innocently and agreed as he nodded.

"Your first time in Japan?"

My eyes widened with surprise and I smiled.

"Yes.. you speak English?"

He smiled again as he pulled into the road.

"Yes, I take a lot of tourists from the airport, I had to learn it."

I smiled at him and looked out the window, watching the people, the buildings and the vehicles. I was in Tokyo. This city was so developed and massive. My mind was so fascinated and I repeatedly kept pinching myself to make sure this wasn't a dream.

"How long are you staying?" the driver asked me, breaking my thoughts.

"Oh, till the end of the June."

"Are you coming on a business trip?"

"No.. I came out of pure interest and a strong love for this beautiful country." I smiled.

"That's nice, your staying for the whole spring and a little in the summer. I bet you wanted to go to the sakura festival?" he smiled looking back at me.

"Yes! It's the first place I wanted to go!"

  ☆彡 ☆彡☆彡 

"Thank you again!" I thanked him as he smiled and nodded saying "Your welcome" before driving off. I looked at the building I was dropped off at. I know I was staying long, but I truly loved this place and I didn't want to come here just to spend a week or two. I wanted to spend a good, full month or two, spend a lot of time, savour it and make sure I don't have a visit in which I would regret not spending more time here. I don't know whether I would come here again, so I have to make the best of it.

A smile appeared on my face as the thought of meeting my cousin ran through me. She visits me back in New Zealand once every year to keep in touch, because she lives in Japan. Like me, she loves Japan and managed to live her dream by finding a job here and dedicating some years to learn the language and to settle in. Finally I get to meet her at her home.

After making my way up the stairs I knocked on her door and waited silently.

"Y/N!!!" the door opened and she  squealed in excitement as she jumped at me, hugging me tight I let go of my luggage and hugged her in response. 

"Ash!" I chuckled happily as I looked back at her, still holding her in my arms, I missed her even though it was only about 8 months since she came to New Zealand. 

"Y/N YOUR HERE! YOUR IN JAPAN!!!!" She jumped up and down like a child and shook me violently, making me laugh and respond my doing the same, excitement running through me once more.

"I AM!!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!" I squealed and quickly became silent.

"What's wrong?"

"I must have disturbed your neighbours... I don't wanna upset anybody.."

"Come in quickly! I've planned a lot for your visit! We'll go to the sakura festival, the cat cafe's, some temples and some old castles, everything! Your gonna love it!" she beamed.

I smiled happily. Seeing her made me so happy because after recovering from my amnesia about four years ago, I had forgotten some people in my life, but luckily my family members including my closest cousin were still in my memories, well, I had their memories with me. 

  ☆彡 ☆彡 ☆彡