Outside, laughing Filipinos hurried backwards and forwards bringing the gangway up to the aircraft, and the enormous petrol pumps so that it could be refuelled as soon as possible. The passengers made their way to the back of the aeroplane and then, one by one, stepped out into the steamy, humid day, wondering that such heat should exist anywhere in the world.To Jonquil the whole scene was fascinating. Along the aisle she followed Mitchi Boko, whose wooden sandals kept her going at a half-run for fear that they should drop off, and she had the comforting knowledge that Jason was close behind her. In his company the exotic seemed more normal and she could enjoy it, without being swamped by its strangeness.Mitchi Boko said goodbye to them at the entrance to the Customs. She, she explained, was flying on that same day.“But I shall see you in Tokyo,” she insisted. “Show you much of Japan. Things only true Nippon would think to take you to.”“Oh, I should love that!” Jonquil exclaimed, her mind filling with pictures of tea ceremonies and age-old protocol designed to delight the eye.
