Japan!

I consider myself a confident traveler who tackles adventures with enthusiasm. However, visiting Asia has always overwhelmed me. When my friend Leilani asked if I wanted to join her in Japan I immediately said yes! It was not difficult to get excited for my 6th continent (Antarctica remains!) and 33rd and 34th countries. 

My first flight was 11 hours to Shanghai which I spent doing some work and learning I couldn’t get WiFi on the China Eastern flight because I “was not a citizen”. When I went through the Chinese security they pulled me over for my scissors. As they put my bag back through the scanner after I removed them the lady snuck them back in my bag. I was grateful. 

I spent my layover in the lounge having my first meal where I will grab chopsticks and use my fork so I don’t look American. I look American. I also had no idea which Coke was diet or regular. Google translate doesn’t work for everything.

The next flight to Tokyo was spent embroidering and eating. China Eastern may not give you WiFi but they give you plenty of food. I left Amsterdam at 20:00 (8pm) and arrived 16 hours later at 20:00 (8pm) with about one hour of sleep. It was my strategy to sleep little so I would when I arrived. Long hauls are not for the weak. I look tired. 

I navigated my way to our Airbnb which is the home of a friend of Leilani’s, Yuki. The trip was suppose to be two trains but ended up being four because I couldn't read the Japanese. But everyone was so helpful along the way. 

I stopped at a 7-11 for some food because my kids are obsessed with Japan and told me to eat there. But when I arrived it was the middle of the night and couldn’t ask them what to get! 

I arrived at the Airbnb where I connected with Leilani and her family. We could have talked all night but lack of sleep for both of us and a 05:00 alarm cut it short. It was a great day.