I just checked my watch; our flight is not leaving for another hour.
I am again too early in the airport — a habit that I instantly picked up after missing a flight once because a mean airport attendant refused to print my boarding pass even though I was only three minutes late to reach the counter to a flight that was not leaving for another 87 mins.
I now like being early and liminal space-ing my time in the airports.
Today, it’s Narita.
This morning felt like a Deja Vu, having gone through the same things we did only one day earlier last year. My body shivered, fighting the cold that came with the light snow. Still, it was nothing compared to my heart breaking repeatedly — when the hotel staff all bowed their goodbyes when we passed MOS burger when I caught the sight of the majestic Oshiyage sky tower, and when I took in the ever-changing sight of the city from the train that brought us to the airport.
Thankfully we finally reached the airport. I had said it before on my first trip to Japan. Now I am repeating it: for a cultural abundance of Japan and a theme park of a city like Tokyo — Narita is surprisingly bland.
And it doesn’t matter whether you see the country for the first time or many times after; it’s like drinking a glass of water right before you go to bed on Sunday night after a whole weekend of partying. It has a sobering effect on your hangover as a tourist visiting Japan.
Look at me and my metaphors — definitely a liminal space effect.
The check-in process was seamless, like most processes in Japan. The airport was empty. Not many tourists, even lesser Japanese; none wear a mask. I guess it’s not uncommon for the second day of the new year.
Past the immigrant gate, I had one last beef bowl of rice at Yoshinoya (where I stole a pair of disposable chopsticks as a pheromonal), spent way too much Yen in the gift shop as if it was the last hold I could have with my beloved Japan (at least for some time).
Fafa just asked whether I wanted a Starbucks. One last azuki beans latte?? Yes, yes, please.
Yoi otoshi wo Japan, see you in 11 months or so.
Today is about:
Bidding goodbye to my beloved Tokyo and Japan. Dragging our big luggage from One@Tokyo hotel to Oshiage SkyTree station. Taking two trains to reach the Narita Airport. Eating one last Yoshinoya meal for the year (unless we come back in Christmas ━ which is very likely). Drinking Starbucks’ Seasonal Hot Azuki Beans and of course their softest Strawberry Chiffon cake. Sleeping all throughout the flight to Manila. Almost losing it at the Manila International Airport. And watching Booksmart on the way back to Melbourne.
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