In Japan, I found myself again,

From busy but clean streets,

To lush and green countryside.

A land so busy, yet so calm,

It was so bright, so clean, 

With the Cherry blossom’s gentle breeze.

The temples stood out,

So tall and diverse in their own way,

Surrounded by large gardens,

With peace filled,

And the culture so rich,

And pride so great.

With all fun, joy, and adventure,

Comes great fear to overcome.

With rollercoasters so high,

I faced my fear,

It was like touching the sky,

My heart was going as fast as Usain Bolt,

But through every second, 

I saw myself peacefully going back to sleep,

On my comfy mattress later that night.

The trip flew by,

I blinked and I was back in Hyd,

I just felt nature calling me back to feel the Ramen heaven,

But I had to come back and stay with all the burdened homework,

Regardless, 

Memories stay,

And always will.

The people so kind,

Nature so gentle,

Culture so bright,

And streets so busy,

I will miss every second,

But I just know I will go back a second time,

Like how I shamelessly asked the restaurant server,

for a second but last serve of delicious ramen.

Written By: Chaitra Adamala, 11 years old from Hyderabad