Crossing Over

I awoke at 1:30 am Indiana time on August 9th, 2013 to start preparing for my long journey to Japan. My day was filled with 3 different flights, teary goodbyes with my sister, mother, and grandmother as well as struggling with two large suitcases and a carry on suitcase. One of my suitcases weighed 82 lbs, which I can attribute to being extremely over prepared with toiletries. I'm not sure if I thought I wouldn't be able to get my beloved Estee Lauder serum or favorite Redkin shampoo here in Japan, but I knew I had gone overboard when the Delta associate checking my bag gasped at the weigh meter and told me "This is going to cost you an arm and a leg!" She then proceeded to almost fall over when lifting it from the scale to the conveyer belt. 

 After my goodbyes to my mom, who is one of my closest friends, and my grandmother who is near and dear to my heart I was able to pick myself up and move onto a different phase in my life. Walking away seemed very monumental and symbolic to me since I have never been away from home. I told my mom "I'm on my own now" while crying joyful and sad tears. It all seems very cliche, but it is one of those moments in life that you never forget. Several tissues later, I passed through security with flying colors and managed to get a cafe mocha from Starbucks while heading to my gate. Despite exhaustion and battling the effects of severe insomnia from the night before, I couldn't even drink my coffee due to anticipation and excitement. After the initial stress from the separation wore off, I was excited for my journey and relieved that I would be reunited with my husband shortly.

I had layovers in Minneapolis and Seattle which were a breeze. I was a bit anxious about going through customs in Japan by myself, however I felt a new sense of empowerment while traveling by myself! The independence was fantastic and made me realize I can do this! Before boarding my flight to Seattle, I was forced to check my carry on luggage because the overhead bins were incredibly small. Although I clarified with the associate about five times that my bag would make it to my final destination, I had a gut instinct that my bag wouldn't make the trek with me to Japan. I was later proven right when collecting my luggage in Osaka. I was blessed with two enjoyable flights which brought me to Seattle. Upon arrival in the Emerald City, I charted my way to my international gate where I was met with many Japanese citizens making their way back home. This sight absolutely filled my heart with joy and brought a big smile to my face because everyone that I encountered was incredibly kind and sensible which is a rarity to find while facing a long flight. 

When I was boarding my flight, I was thoroughly surprised that I could pick up some of the dialect being spoken. Of course there were only a few words I knew, but I was proud of myself for picking it up based on hearing Joel talk. The flight was rather enjoyable for the first 5 hours. I watched Wizard of Oz, The Croods, listened to The Beatles, and listened to "Your Song" by Elton John about a million times because it makes me think of Joel. I was reflecting back on all the times Joel whisked me around the kitchen dancing with me. One of my favorite things to do with Joel is dance, so while he was in Japan I expressed to him how much I missed that. Being the romantic that he is, he picked me up over Facetime, put on a slow tune, and danced with me via the internet. How lovely. 

The first 5 hours of my flight were great, followed up by the last 5 which were completely miserable. I became incredibly stiff from about 10 hours total of crummy plane seats I had endured already. I watched minute by minute and mile by mile pass by on my small personal t.v. screen. Realizing that this was going to put me over the brink of insanity I decided to pull out my Travel and Leisure magazine I had bought in Minneapolis. Turning through the pages, I found the source that would revive my enthusiasm. Kyoto was voted #2 city in all of Asia and #5 in the whole world by Travel and Leisure and their readers. How awesome! I am going to be living in one of the best cities in the world!

I soon landed in Osaka, Japan where I would then navigate my way through the airport and into customs. There I collected my residence card, which basically acts as my identification and passport while in Japan. I then found my way to baggage claim where I was greeted with a sign on the conveyer belt that read "Natalie Jean Crabtree see a flight specialist." I then knew for sure that my carry on had been left in the states. I was however happy that my worst nightmare of my 82 lb bag ripping at the seams and spewing cosmetics and skincare all over the airport runway wasn't realized! I was thoroughly impressed with the wonderful customer service I received from a sweet Japanese woman who helped me with my luggage issue. She even took me through customs which was a relief. 

She walked me through a set of automatic double doors where I glanced around until I met eyes with my husband. We were reunited once again. Despite fatigue from my 28 hour travel day, the possibilities for the year ran through my head and love filled my heart as we made our way to our apartment and our new lives. Home is where Joel is.