The Road Was Long
Well I made it – the Land of the Rising Sun. And what a journey! I set off on time from Manchester and 23 hours later I arrived at my final destination – my friends flat in Akashi (he’s in Japan teaching English for the year!). 23 hours sounds pretty bad….but to be honest, it wasn’t – it was a breeze. The first flight to Dubai was great, grub was really nice and took full advantage of the Emirates award winning hospitality…notably the drinks trolley. Needless to say I was totally chilled out, seat back, legs stretched, watching films for the rest of the flight. No turbulence either, which is always a bonus.
I arrived in Dubai 45 mins ahead of schedule which was a pleasant surprise. What was also a surprise was that it was 35 degrees at midnight. Had a quick wander about the airport, got some grub, and then went to the departure gate for the next flight which for then at least, was on time. More on Dubai at a later date! Departure was delayed by about 30 mins or so due to a “very minor technical fault on the flight deck.” I managed to keep myself awake for about an hour or so – long enough for the first meal anyway – before falling asleep with 8 hours 30 mins of the flight remaining. Managed to stay asleep for about 3 hours before waking up to the “please fasten your seatbelt” announcement. The plane bounced around a bit for 20 mins or so before I nodded back off, waking up with just 2 hours and 30 mins to go when the lights came on so the crew could start serving breakfast, although technically it was 4pm so i’m not entirely sure of that logic. Frankly I couldn’t be bothered with any more food, but i’m not one to turn down a free meal.
Arrived in Osaka, got through Immigration and Customs with no hastle (despite the customs officer talking to me in Japanese before he eventually realised I had absolutely no idea what he was saying) and my bag arrived in once piece – two more items ticked off the “must be done before I can relax” mental checklist. Signs and announcements in English certainly helped matters. Headed outside to the bus station to be greeted by a large sign, which told me in English that it was a Bus Timetable but that’s about as far as useful information went! Not to worry though, it didn’t take long for someone to tell me that I needed the number 6 and then for another person to show me the ticket machine. Another blank look later and the machine transformed into English thanks to the helpful attendant.
So after this bus ride which was about an hour or so, I was finally met in Sannomiya in Kobe. 30 mins of public transport later – and I had reached my final destination! One thing that immediately struck me was just how clean the public transport is, even the little local bus services are spotless.
Didn’t do a great deal last night, just went out for some food and even received a compliment for my excellent ability with a pair of chopsticks. Those 2am post-clubbing Chinese meals in Stowell Street in Newcastle seem to have really paid dividends. A must for any would be visitor to Japan. I expect that my chopstick ability will be of grand master level when I go home.
At the minute it seems as though I have escaped the wrath of Jet Lag…but I will just have to wait and see. Was woken up this morning by noisy insects. Very noisy insects at that – I’ve heard quieter car alarms!
Anyway, enough ramblings for now. Off to see the local sites today, and going to Kyoto (the old capital) on Thursday. The sun is blazing and it’s 33 degrees. Domo Arigato! (That means thank you very much!)
