I tend to recall things out of order, based on trigger. I've been looking through photos from my trip to Japan and blogging as something in particular strikes me as noteworthy. Today, I have been thinking about flight. I had never flown overseas before and I wasn't very excited about it. But nothing was going to keep me from visiting Japan, so I gathered all of my courage and stepped on-board.
It wasn't that bad. Actually, it was quite nice. We flew business/first class, so really it was VERY nice. If you have the means, or a generous friend with some buddy passes (my father retired after 30 years with Delta Airlines, so that was my hook-up), I highly recommend flying this way overseas. Lots of leg room, especially for my daughter and me who are both 5'4". We had comfy blankets awaiting us, along with a nice toiletry bag with toothbrush, etc. We had a couple of nice snacks, two good meals (three-course dinner!) and excellent service. I would take that flight again without any hesitation!
Before it sounds like perfection in the sky, know that we were bumped from our original flight and had to wait 24 hours for the next one, which meant an overnight stay in Atlanta. That fiasco is a tale for another day, though. So that cut our trip short by a day. Shikata ga nai.
I took a few pictures on the plane, but the lighting was sketchy, so they didn't come out very well. But here is a photo of the meal I had on the return flight:
The thing that impressed me the most was the incredibly wonderful service, not just on the flight, but in Narita Airport. I will say, without hesitation, that when we arrived at Atlanta-Hartsfield, we were treated horribly. Airport staff yelling at people, glaring, rude. I had an overwhelming urge to turn around, get back on the plane and refuse to move. It was eye-opening, to say the least. At Narita, it was quiet, everyone was friendly and helpful, even the police who stopped us for a Keep Foreign Terrorists Out of Japan check were unfailingly polite and kind.
As our plane pushed back from the gate at Narita, the ground crew lined up, bowed, and waved to us as we pulled away. I already knew to expect that since my dad had worked at Narita a couple of times over the years, but it was such a simple and touching gesture. Laugh if you will, but I actually cried. I didn't want to leave. I wish I could take my kids to Japan and live there forever.
Before it sounds like perfection in the sky, know that we were bumped from our original flight and had to wait 24 hours for the next one, which meant an overnight stay in Atlanta. That fiasco is a tale for another day, though. So that cut our trip short by a day. Shikata ga nai.
I took a few pictures on the plane, but the lighting was sketchy, so they didn't come out very well. But here is a photo of the meal I had on the return flight:
The thing that impressed me the most was the incredibly wonderful service, not just on the flight, but in Narita Airport. I will say, without hesitation, that when we arrived at Atlanta-Hartsfield, we were treated horribly. Airport staff yelling at people, glaring, rude. I had an overwhelming urge to turn around, get back on the plane and refuse to move. It was eye-opening, to say the least. At Narita, it was quiet, everyone was friendly and helpful, even the police who stopped us for a Keep Foreign Terrorists Out of Japan check were unfailingly polite and kind.
As our plane pushed back from the gate at Narita, the ground crew lined up, bowed, and waved to us as we pulled away. I already knew to expect that since my dad had worked at Narita a couple of times over the years, but it was such a simple and touching gesture. Laugh if you will, but I actually cried. I didn't want to leave. I wish I could take my kids to Japan and live there forever.
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