Business Class: 7-17-99

I am sitting on a jet, about to take off for Tokyo. Finally, after planning on the JET program throughout my whole college career, I'm really going! It's still hard to take in. Saying my goodbyes was extremely tough on me... it's hard to believe I won't be seeing my family or loved ones for at least a matter of several months. But I'm going.

It helps ease the difficulty of leaving, that I am sitting in business class; a wide seat with more than enough foot room available. I am wearing a cozy pair of red slippers, and sipping champagne. They've just offered us "cabin wear," which is a soft navy blue cardigan to put on if it gets cold. We also received hot towels to wipe our hands with... very lovely service, and we're still on the ground! I am afraid I'll never be able to fly coach class again! The flight will be about 10 hours... not long enough in this luxury, if you ask me! But of course I'm excited to get to Japan. After having studied the language, the culture, the history, and the art for so long, I am so happy to finally have the chance to experience it for myself!

I am trying not to think too hard about my sadness at leaving, and this flight is keeping me nicely distracted so far! We just took off. There is a video screen on the front wall of the cabin that is tracking our plane's progress. Right now we appear to be moving north along the California coast. They'll serve lunch soon, and then they'll show a movie. We get to see "Shakespeare in Love," which is enjoyable.. and also long, which will keep me entertained for quite a while. In the moments between food and movies, of course, I have my trusty copy of Betsy and the Great World, which is a must-have on any journey! (even if I am not going to Europe on this trip, as Betsy does in the book)

Oh! Another pleasant surprise- they handed out the menu, and included on the list of apertifs is my favourite- kir! I never expected to see that drink on a Japanese airline- it's French. How nice!

I think I'll try to catch a nap. It's almost impossible for me to get real sleep on a plane, but I can at least rest. I can't believe I am hours away from Japan!! It won't seem quite real till I get there, I guess!

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