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 Once I got to
the end of the queue it was only a couple of minutes to check in my backpack
(about 15kg) and get my instructions. I headed for gate 59 and filled out
my green card before spending only 5 minutes to go through security. 2
minutes to throw my stuff through the scanner then a minute to gate 59.
Having got up at 5:15am to get a 9.30am flight I was surprised how fast
and easy it was!
On the plane the hostess passed out Japanese newspapers so I chose not to get one. I wish my Japanese was that good! They also handed out hot damp towels for us to wipe our hands in preparation for our meal. This was to become a common phenomenon as damp towels are given at every meal in every restaurant in Japan.
Just saw Mission Impossible III. Totally disappointing as usual. For lunch we got Japanese curry pork even though the menu said our choice would include chicken thigh in honey mustard sauce. By the time the hostess got to our row she had none left.
After the flight we were sent along a long corridor to a mini subway. This took us to the customs section where we queued for about half an hour. During the flight the heat was coming through the plane, so I knew it would be hot when I got there and I wasn't disappointed! So, waiting in the heat to be processed was a bit tiring but nothing
compared to what happened next.
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Well, I've finally made it. After talking about it for 5 years and planning
seriously for 2 I'm on my way to Tokyo. I've been given an interesting
window seat, next to two girls who are also travelling by themselves. I
hope to be able to talk with them later in the flight, depending on my
Japanese. This time I didn't choose a wing seat but got one anyway.
Even
so, I believe there were delays as the flight was to leave at 9:35 but
didn't start moving until 9:50. Most of the announcements were given in
Japanese as I was taking JAL and so I was practicing my understanding before
even leaving the airport.
I was able
to request sake and got a bottle of Hakutsuru made in Kobe. 15%-16% by
volume. Very nice sake and not too strong. After that I got a bottle of
Les Chapelles Bergerac Bordeaux red wine. As I drank I watched the sea
go underneath the plane via a jetcam positioned below. There was also a
jetcam on the nose but this wasn't always available.
It got talking
with Bora, the Korean girl next to me. We had a great conversation and
she offered to meet up with me again if I get to Korea. Definitely!