Take Off, December 2023
Day 1: Travel Day
Spoiler Alert: Basic economy -> Premium Economy!!
It all started yesterday when I was unable to check in online. While I had planned to do carry-on only, since I was going to have to wait in line at the airport to check in, I figured I may as well check a bag too. Besides this way I can shop! But at this point, I had no idea what seat I had
I arrived at the airport early and waited in the American Airlines line only to have a desk agent tell me I was in the wrong line. How rude! Also still having no idea what seat I had.
So I walked down to the Japan Airlines line to wait for the desk to open. Fearing the worst about my seat assignment, once the desk opened, I asked the desk agent (Dott) if they had any upgrades available and lucky me, THEY DID!
Things were looking up. Until I had to wait in the dang TSA precheck line! Wow, it was long but surprisingly, it actually went quite fast.
Once in the terminal, I treated myself to some breakfast and coffee. I met a very nice couple in the food court who were also heading to Thailand. I walked away with some great safari ideas (Margaret Zupancic).
Once onboard the plane, it now appears I also have a row to myself. Just waiting to take off.
Day 2: Tokyo, Japan
It was a short 20 hours here so of course what else would I do, except a food tour!
I landed at 3pm local time, made it through immigration, to my hotel, and a quick shower before meeting my guide Ken in the lobby at 6.
We took two trains (holy cow they were packed yet orderly!) to the trendy Sengenjaya neighborhood of Tokyo. It was full of shops, restaurants, and people out and about on a Tuesday evening.
I was treated to dinner at three local restaurants which ken assured me I was probably the first non-local to go there
At the first, KIRAKUDO＜KUSHIAGE Restaurant, we had tempura everything. Kisu, salmon, lotus root, squid, eggplant, with a nice dry pale ale.
Next up, to the best sashimi restaurant around, AJITOME＜SASHIMI Restaurant. We had yellowtail, tuna, and mackerel. With a sweet saki, tofu with ginger and onions, edamame, eggs, and yakatori (chicken) liver, heart, meatballs, thighs, and skin!
Finally, we capped the evening at a hibachi type restaurant, OGATA ＜OKONOMIYAKI Restaurant except there was no steak or chicken on the grill. Instead, it was Okonomiyaki, a traditional Japanese Savory Cabbage Pancake and MONJAYAKI. We had both Tokyo and Osaka style. So as not to offend anyone, I had no favorite- both were tasty.
I returned to my hotel because I have an early flight to Bangkok.
Be sure to check out my Instagram for videos of my first taste of sashimi and checking out those chopsticks (I think I’ll be a pro by the time I get back).
Day 3: Travel Day
Today was a day of ups and downs. But the ups and downs are worth it though for the experience. It is how I know I am alive.
And another spoiler alert, the panic I felt, I realized that no matter how many overseas airports I’ve been in, that panic always settles in at first. And then it gives way to confidence.
Exhaustion: I’ve been traveling for 3 days and more than 23 hours.
Trepidation: landing in airports with more armed guards and less English than their European counterparts.
Excitement: at putting yet another stamp in my passport.
Curiosity: as I watched someone be refused admittance to Thailand. And her partner stood by helplessly on the other side. I wonder what I would do in a similar situation? Argue? Acceptance? Cry?
Panic: People everywhere and I couldn’t find my name on one of those cards that people hold at the airport.
Hot: It is 90 degrees out!
Relief: When I found the guide and eventually my name.
Aw: driving through the city of Bangkok and the bright lights.
Amazement: Seeing all the motorbikes. And women riding them as passengers sidesaddled in dresses!
I didn’t get many pictures since most would have been in the airport. I will get one of the ladies riding the motorbike though!
Next up: Chiang Mai for 3 days.