Exploring Japan by Cruise Ship Henna Series - Part 1: The magical result of an unexpected trip

Traveling to foreign countries has always been a dream for many students, including myself during my elementary school years. However, a couple of obstacles hindered our desires. Firstly, many classmates had to attend extracurricular classes, even on weekends, leaving little room for leisure travel. Secondly, their parents were often apprehensive about taking their children abroad, mainly due to language barriers and concerns about their health while traveling.

That summer, a classmate of mine expressed her desire to join me on a cruise to Japan. Her mother, hailing from a remote rural area in China, had worked tirelessly to make a living in Beijing. Despite her inability to speak English, she also yearned for her children to experience the outside world. However, she lacked the courage to take the first step. Therefore, this opportunity was a golden chance for my classmate.

Personally, whenever I traveled abroad, I would often encounter children of similar ages and engage in temporary playmateships. However, this trip would be different as I would be accompanied by a close friend. The cruise I had chosen this time wasn't as luxurious as the ones I had experienced before, as its ticket prices were more affordable. Consequently, securing the tickets turned out to be a bit challenging.

My classmate faced multiple disappointments as she struggled to book a ticket for the cruise. She shed many tears during this process. Yet, with the persistent efforts of my mother, who tirelessly tracked and contacted the shipping company, a ticket was finally secured. When my classmate received the news that she had a ticket, she couldn't help but cheer, although tears still clung to her face. She realized that if she missed this opportunity to travel abroad with me, she might never know if she would have another chance.

The significance of that ticket to a child might not be fully understood by the cruise company. It could be a pivotal turning point in a child's life, or it could have a profound impact on an entire community. When the students and parents in my class heard about the enjoyable time my classmate and I had on the cruise, it sparked a wave of enthusiasm for international travel throughout the entire class. I am writing this to commemorate that summer nine years ago, filled with fond memories.

Next, I will provide a detailed account of our travel experience.