and that’s why I did it…
How appropriate to write my first blog while still on the plane, 25 hours into my journey to Singapore, and still 3,204 miles away from my destination. I’ve had plenty of time to think today, and I’ve experienced every type of emotion that is humanly possible. During the first flight I was pumped, all excited and ready to go. I sat beside a lady that was traveling to Hong Kong after Chicago, and we shared stories about our travels, and I even gave her tips and ideas for her weekend trip to HK. I couldn’t believe how much I remembered about the city based on the time I spent there two years ago. I thought it was funny that she was putting little side notes in her travel guide, based on what I was saying about what I enjoyed there. She was great, and thought what I was doing was wonderful, and would change my life and open up all kinds of opportunities. She was exactly what I needed, and it really got me excited for future travels that I knew I would eventually be embarking on.
The Chicago-Tokyo flight had a much different tone. I knew this was it. When I got on that plane I was no longer going to be in the United States. There goes my ability to call or text friends and family on a whim. It was a big deal to turn off my phone for the last time. I’ve never waited so long when the flight attendants tell you to turn all electronics off. All I could think is “what the Hell are you doing, Jacob?” I was already exhausted when I got on the plane, and I was not looking forward to the 12 hours of flying. My headache mid-flight and awkward angle to the community television did not make things much better. I had so much going through my mind that for the majority of the flight I just sat there. I was too overwhelmed to enjoy “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past” or whatever was on the television, so I just sat there, waiting for the movie to end so they would show the world map and remind me how much longer we had till Tokyo.
Some how I bore through it, and when we landed in Tokyo I was in a great mood again. I felt like myself. Much of this can be attributed to the fact that I was finally off the plane, the longest flight was over, and a flight attendant had given me some Tylenol, and it had started to kick in. Oh yeah, and I knew Tokyo’s airport had a computer lab so I could finally reconnect to friends and family back home.
But it was on this last leg, the final flight to Singapore, that it all made sense. Shortly after take-off, the plane made a turn towards Singapore and my side of the plane got a gorgeous view of Mt. Fuji at sunset, rising above the ocean filled with tiny little islands. Seeing that made it all make sense. That’s why I did it. You only live once, and there is so much to see and do in this world. I know I am extremely blessed to have this opportunity, but I am equally as driven to go out and make the most of it. I know this is where I am supposed to be, and I am so excited for what is to come this next year or so. I still don’t think it has hit me yet just how long I am going to be here, but I think moments like today will keep reminding how important it is for me to stick it out and take it all in.
2 years ago • Notes