I wonder if first evenings in any locale are wasted on me. I got in, managed to make my way through the Tokyo subway system with my luggage during rush hour, found a taxi to take me to my hotel, got to my room, and then needed to eat something. So I went for a little walk toward a very lit up area, and found what looked like a department store. I'd heard that basements of these stores were chock full of great food, so I went down and certainly found it. A huge football-field-length area filled with stands for all kinds of food, much of it stuff you wrap up to give as gifts, but plenty to just eat an enjoy. I picked up some takeout sushi (nigiri) and takeout tempura, grabbed a water from a vending machine, and walked home. Sure I was looking around, but really appreciating being here? Not so sure. With less than three hours of sleep before leaving, and maybe a total of 3-4 hours on the plane. I'm a little exhausted. Still, at least I didn't go for McDonald's (just down the street)!
To back up, the flight from Boston to Chicagowas easy-peasy, and then I got bumped up to Premium Economy (or whatever JAL calls it), which was very nice. It was over a 13 hour flight and it meant I had not only leg room, but a seat that had a leg rest, foot rest, and kind of pushed back. Not quite like the bed-types, but far better than typical coach.
Once in Tokyo's Narita airport, getting through the airport and customs was pretty easy. It started to go a little slow when I was trying to figure out where to get my Japan Rail pass, but I managed that and then getting onto the train was easy. That's about an hour trip and where I discovered I do have roaming on my phone here, and better yet, my kindle's international functions work and allow me to do a little slow web-surfing for free! Suh-weet! Also had an amazing view of far-off Mt. Fuji with a red-lit sky behind it as the sun set. Gorgeous!
Right, and now we're back to the beginning of my story... I got food, came back, and am enjoying the floor pillows, screens, big wooden bath tub, and looking forward to sacking out on the tatami mat.
Lots of photos are already up on Flickr, but here's a few.
Time to buckle up, Flat Stanley!
15 hours later, tired, and bedraggled, but we made it!
Takeout dinner
Where I'm headed now
Konbanwa and G'night!
2 comments:
Who's flat stanley? Must be an inside joke or some uniquely american thing that I dont get.
Flat Stanley is a kid's book and a project children get in school. They send Flat Stanley to somebody and then that person takes photos of the places Flat Stanley has been. It's a way for kids to experience lots of other places and things without going themselves.
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