Japan

I still remember the events of 2005 very clearly. The wild anticipation I had when Mr Oura announced that the band would be going to Tokyo. The crushing sense of my dream brought down the next day when my mother told me I had no choice but to go on the exchange. The tears brought on as I fought and lost, until that moment of resignation when I boarded JA701J to Tokyo - without the band.

Even after JA731J, incidentally the same 777-346ER the band flew back on, touched down in Changi Airport on the 16th of June, I never really got over the sense of being cheated, of having hoped and longed for something only to have it brought down. Up to today the dark memories of that linger.

In the beginning of this year there was hope again, talk of a concert in Fukui, Japan. I was happy that, despite the gloominess of the A levels, there was at least the trip in June to look forward to.

Today came another announcement. One that a part of me is telling me is not final, but on the other hand, another side of me is resigned to it. Will I not get the chance to enjoy the sensation of the 747-412 or A380-841 taking off, lifting off the ground in Changi, landing on 34L of Narita 6 hours later? The long bus rides with the band to various places? Enjoying Disneyland with Paul and Shuyi?

It's even worse this time because at least in 2005, the exchange went quite well. Now, all I have to look forward to is the dark and dreary CTs...