May 2nd, 2012
Already a long queue, 8.30am
After I passed through the gates, I tried to look for a free wireless hotspot to connect myself to the internet but sadly, all I've got was a Boingo service which I had to pay 7 bucks for a one-time access (which in the end I did). This is why I hate western airports, JFK, London Heathrow and many more; they just don't provide what we travelers want the most - FREE and INSTANT wifi. All we want to do once we settle in the airport was to go online, give our family or loved ones a call or a message to tell them we're safe. How hard is it to provide a stupid hotspot? We don't care if the speed is slow, as long as it works, we're good. All I can see and feel is business. But still, I got online by giving them the $7 and contacted my dad and sunshine; I know when is it right to pay for the stuff we need, instead of the stuff we want.
ANA's flight from New York to Narita, Japan takes around 14 hours, which means I can finally get some good sleep in the cabin. I have to say, ANA had given me a very good impression since the beginning and they still make me think that way. Their services were excellent and the seats were very comfy (compared to a certain low-cost carrier). The meals were also very delicately prepared; very tasty and with a wide selection for an in-flight meal if you ask me. For a 14-hour flight, I had a main course and another slight meal, a haagen daz ice cream came after that as well:
The main course - Grilled Cod with Soba and appetizers. Delicious.
The light meal - Korean Bibimbap with desserts
I have to say, this is how you should promote culture. Even before landing in Japan I already had a taste of great Japanese food. Japan indeed, we have lots to learn from.
May 3rd, 2012
I arrived at Narita, Tokyo for a flight transfer. Ironically, I had to pass through the customs, get my luggage and get to Haneda Airport within 4 hours for a domestic flight instead of staying within the customs for a connecting flight (It was really quite a rush, considering the fact that I am a total noob at Japanese transport systems and my Japanese was very limited). It was a good thing I asked my cousin about this and I did a little research on my own before I left Toronto. I went to the counter in front of the gates to purchase a 3000yen ticket and went outside to queue for the express bus, straight to Haneda:
Bus stations right outside the airport.
Japanese people are very friendly, even with their limited English they would try to help you with all they can, they would even bring you to the spot if you were asking for directions and what they said did not make sense to you. Also I noticed, they take their work very seriously but with enthusiasm. Even a foreigner like me who doesn't understand Japanese could feel their passion and their lively spirit (10 points to Japan!).
The bus took 1.5 hours to arrive at Haneda, where I immediately moved towards the check-in counter to leave my bulky luggage in good hands. A view of the airport while rushing around:
A typical airport scene
With shopping centers and restaurants
Within the gates, waiting for a boarding call
After I passed through the gates, I texted my cousin to tell her my whereabouts and would be arriving around 8pm, texted my dad and sunshine as usual to let them know I'm doing great. My last flight from Haneda, Tokyo to Osaka Itami took only an hour and sis was already there to greet me when I arrived. After almost 3 days of non-stop rushing I arrived at my destination safe and sound. Tired, worn-out but very excited. Sis took a picture of me when I first set foot and man do I look flat from all those actions:
Flattened and exhausted. Imagine how happy I was when the flights were over.
I followed my cousin back to her place to wash up and settle down via monorail and a lil walking, and again, I have to say, I have been amazed by Japanese culture, architecture and their engineering ever since I set foot on their ground. The monorail was wide and spacey with 5 cabins, unlike a certain puny monorail train back where I was from, the train on the run was silent enough for me to hear my own breathing if I paid attention. Amazing indeed.
I went for a bath immediately once I settled down and man did I smell like rotten fish. What do you expect? I have been on the run for 3 straight days with no time leverage to shower and I was traveling alone; how am I going to keep an eye on my luggage if I went into the showers? Felt great feeling clean and fragrant again. And it was a very, very wise choice to bring 2 pairs of walking shoes because the one that I wore throughout the trip from Toronto to Osaka smelt so irritating I had no choice but to place them on the balcony, hoping that Japanese wind would do some good in purifying the smell.
Sis went and got me some dinner, and it tasted AWESOME. Even the sushi tastes better than a certain sushi restaurant back in Malaysia. Not only sushi, but with fried chicken, sausages and some rolls. My first meal in Japan:
A big thanks to my sis who let me stay at her place and got me dinner!! Yummilicious!!
Called my dad and texted sunshine after dinner and felt sleepy right after, thus prepared to sleep at around 12am. Sis prepared a futon (Japanese mattress) for me and it felt great, after days of sleeping in a upright position in the planes I could finally lay down in peace.
After all the ruckus, I closed my eyes, slowly wandered into dreamland with pride and relief......
......until I noticed I had jet lag and was unable to fall asleep before 3am (True story, haha).
No comments:
Post a Comment