Kyoto, Night 1

2025
1 A.M.
On the bus exiting the airport
In a foreign country
Surrounded by strangers
I have found a familiar feeling.

2020
1 A.M.
Walking along a hiking trail
In a foreign state
Surrounded by strangers
It’s not a bad feeling.

That’s not to say it’s pure bliss, but it is exhilarating.
And guttural.
Nervewracking.
Such a unique feeling to happen all but a few times in my life. It’s a feeling of uncertainty and hope that occupies my mental. I’m much more composed than I was five years ago, but it’s not often a new chapter in life begins. When it does, you feel it. This time, things read more like a footnote or a side story. Nonetheless, I am surrounded by strangers with whom I will soon enough, assuredly, grow close. It’s all hitting me at once now that I’m finally here.
What an exciting feeling.