Memories of Tokyo

Wednesday, September 21, 2005

I was 14 the first time I went to Tokyo. AI brought 4 of us there for the Four Continents meet and we were excited just being there.

All was quite stressful with AI throwing tantrums at us for doing badly at practise sessions before the meet. She would just walk away and snub us and we had to lug our stuff and chase after her to apologize. Honestly, I think it was all a show for her to get attention while we looked like a bunch of silly girls scared of their coach.

Anyway, apart from the competition where I met many of my idols and took photos with them, I think one of the most memorable experience from that trip was the first time to Disneyland! I got a child ticket fare!!! I was glad that I could pass for a 12-year old then and got things half price.

I was a big scady cat and didn't dare to go on any rides. All I went on were the Haunted Mansion, It's A Small World After All and Pirates of the Caribbean. While my friends went on their adventure rides on roller coasters, I held the Disneyland map in my hand and went to ALL the shops instead! I think they had more fun though.

When I was 15, we went to Tokyo for the second time. This time it was part training and part attending a small meet in a place called Gifu. This stay was more memorable because we spent more days in Japan. We lived at the training school. In the evenings when we were more relaxed and returning to our room from the shower/locker room, we would pass this vending machine that sold hot drinks. It's cool in the evenings and we would always get our hot chocolate fix. Then we'd walk back slowly, savouring the drink and chatting with each other.

One of those days, AI brought us to her home. While we were there, she dressed us up in her Kimonos and tied our hair. We posed for pictures in her garden and tried to walk daintily in Japanese slippers.

We went to Disneyland again and this time I picked up more courage and decided to go for some roller coaster rides on The Matterhorn and some space-looking one which I can't remember what it's called. Survived the rides!

Japan was very fun for me despite not speaking the language.

Next in line would be Memories of Winnipeg!

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