CHAPTER 879: SAKURA ABODE: THE LAND OF DREAMS

Tuesday, April 27th.

It was the third day of the Bloom Week in the Sakura Abode Country, and the whole country didn’t reduce its festive mood in the slightest. The Sakureans enjoyed this holiday in any way possible.

University students, while attempting a return to normalcy in their sleep patterns, mostly prioritized revelry, extending their holiday celebrations with enthusiastic partying. The festive atmosphere was palpable, with impromptu gatherings spilling out onto the streets and laughter echoing into the night. Even those students aiming for a more relaxed break found themselves swept up in the contagious energy, trading planned study sessions for spontaneous picnics in the park or late-night karaoke sessions.

Workers, finally freed from the constraints of their daily routines, embraced the opportunity for genuine rest and relaxation. Some sought adventure, exploring hiking trails or visiting nearby towns. Others indulged in long-overdue home improvements, catching up on neglected chores, or simply savored the luxury of sleeping in. The quiet contentment of families spending quality time together was a heartwarming counterpoint to the exuberant energy of the student celebrations.

Family gatherings ranged from intimate affairs in cozy homes to large-scale reunions with extended family members traveling from across Sakurea. Traditional holiday meals were prepared with meticulous care, and cherished family stories and traditions were recounted and reaffirmed. The air was thick with the aroma of festive foods and the warmth of shared experiences. Meanwhile, those who opted for adventure explored the varied landscapes of Sakurea, from the bustling cities to the serene countryside. Their journeys were filled with breathtaking scenery, exciting discoveries, and the creation of unforgettable memories. Whether relaxing at home or venturing far afield, the Sakurean holiday was a time of rejuvenation and celebration for everyone.

The Sakura Abode Country boasted a breathtaking array of geographical features. Towering mountains offered breathtaking vistas, while sprawling forests whispered ancient secrets. The coastline teemed with life, its beaches a popular destination for sun-worshippers and surfers alike. Tranquil lakes mirrored the sky, reflecting the vibrant cherry blossoms that cascaded down their banks. Even the seemingly inhospitable deserts held a unique charm, their stark beauty captivating those who ventured into their sun-drenched expanse. Mysterious swamps, echoing with the croaks of unseen creatures, and dramatic canyons carved by millennia of erosion, added to the country’s rich tapestry of natural wonders. This incredible diversity meant Sakureans had an almost limitless selection of places to explore and enjoy during their Bloom Week holiday. National Parks and Reserves across the land reported a massive surge in visitors, a testament to the nation’s love for its natural heritage.

And of course, the traditional heart of Bloom Week celebrations remained firmly rooted in the numerous temples scattered across the land. These ancient sanctuaries hosted lively festivals, brimming with vibrant colours, the sweet scent of cherry blossom-infused treats, and the joyous sounds of traditional music and dance. Stalls overflowed with handcrafted goods, local delicacies, and games of skill, creating a vibrant atmosphere that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the holiday. Children chased colourful carp streamers, their laughter mingling with the gentle chime of temple bells, while adults shared stories and reminisced over tea and delicate pastries. The air thrummed with a sense of community and shared celebration, a testament to the enduring traditions that held the Sakurean people together. Evenings saw the temples illuminated, their golden lights casting a warm glow over the festivities, creating an unforgettable spectacle that would remain etched in the memories of all who witnessed it.

This was the scene that a tourist would come across as they arrived in the Sakura Abode Country during the Bloom Week. And it was in this particular week that the country registered a sharp increase in foreign tourists every year. The Sakurean’s Season of Blossoms was extremely famous worldwide.

With the Sakurean Entertainment Industry being the most dominant and popular in the world. The country’s culture was exported constantly to other countries. Sakurean’s movies, TV series, animes, songs, and others constantly depicted the Sakurean Culture and Traditions. And with these works being exported to the whole world, the people from other countries were no strangers to Sakurean traditions.

For example, it was common for animes to produce an episode about the Bloom Week. So, children and teenagers from all over the world who watched these animes would be aware of this Sakurean tradition. And most of the time, these people would start dreaming about experiencing the traditions like Bloom Week.

That’s why the majority of the tourists who come to the Sakura Abode Country feel like realizing a dream. They were finally stepping on the land that they watched in movies, TV series, and anime for their whole life!

International Airports all over the Sakurean territory received crowds of tourists with eyes full of wonder. They were finally on the land of dreams!

As the sun began its slow descent, casting a warm glow over the bustling Sakura City International Airport, a family of six from the small, mountainous country of Eldoria on the Vytral Continent stepped through the arrival gates, their eyes sparkling with a mixture of exhaustion and exhilaration. Emma, her dark hair pulled back in a practical braid, straightened her shoulders, a small smile playing on her lips. Ethan, beside her, adjusted the strap of his worn backpack, a map of Sakura Abode peeking out from the top. Their four children, a whirlwind of limbs and excited chatter, trailed behind them.

"Finally!" Tasha, the eldest at sixteen, exclaimed, her voice echoing slightly in the cavernous arrivals hall filled with the arriving tourists. She’d been glued to her Sakurean idol’s Instagram for weeks, eagerly awaiting this trip. Selina, fourteen, clutched a worn Sakurean manga book to her chest, her eyes wide with wonder.

"Wow," breathed Selina, her voice barely audible above the airport’s hum. "It’s even more amazing than in the movies."

"I know, right?" Tasha replied, a genuine smile finally replacing her usual teenager’s bored expression.

Tiago, eight, tugged at his father’s hand, his gaze fixed on a robotic display advertising a nearby ramen shop. "Papa, can we get ramen? I saw it on a video!"

"Soon, buddy," Ethan said with a smile

Maya, the youngest at six, simply pointed at a passing robot delivering luggage, her mouth open in silent awe.

The airport, a bustling hub of activity, echoed with the excited chatter of travelers from all corners of the globe – a cacophony of languages, laughter, and the occasional frustrated sigh. The family felt a surge of wonder as they navigated their way through the lively crowds, their hearts fluttering with anticipation. Emma clutched her itinerary, a small frown creasing her brow as she tried to decipher the Kanji characters.

"Excuse me," Emma asked a passing airport employee, her words filled with an accent. "Could you perhaps help us find the train to the city center?"

The employee, a young woman with bright pink hair, smiled warmly. "Of course! Follow me, I’ll show you." She spoke in perfect English, her words clear and reassuring.

The employee started talking with them as she guided them through the enormous airport, "Welcome to Sakura Abode!" she said with a bright smile, her voice warm and inviting. "Are you here for a holiday?"

"Yes!" Emma exclaimed, her voice brimming with joy. "We’ve dreamed of visiting your country for years!"

The employee beamed. "That’s wonderful! I hope you have a fantastic time here. If I may give you a suggestion. Don’t forget to check out the Rainbow Temple Festival."

Emma replied enthusiastically, and the two of them started talking about things to do in Sakura City.

And as they followed the employee, the children’s initial awe gave way to delighted curiosity. Tiago pointed at a vending machine dispensing uniquely shaped mochi. Selina gasped at a display of intricately designed kimonos. Even Tasha, usually glued to her phone, was mesmerized by the sheer vibrancy of the airport as she saw a small celebrity walking from afar.

"This is even better than I imagined," she murmured to Selina, a genuine smile finally breaking through her usual teenage stoicism. Selina, clutching a brightly colored Sakura Abode-themed candy she’d just purchased, simply nodded in agreement. The journey had only just begun, but already, the family felt the magic of Sakura Abode weaving its spell around them. The long-held dream was finally becoming a reality, and the adventure was only just beginning.

As they made their way out of the airport and into the waiting embrace of the Sakura Abode Country, the family was greeted by a burst of festive cheer. The sweet scent of cherry blossoms hung heavy in the air, mingling with the tantalizing aromas of festive foods. The streets were alive with color, vibrant decorations adorning every corner, and the sound of joyous music and laughter filled the air. It was as if they had stepped directly into one of the anime scenes they had watched countless times, and the realization sent a thrill of excitement through their beings.

It was time to enjoy the land of dreams.