This time last week we were on a plane from Tokyo to Toronto, probably fast asleep, which means I’ve let a week go by without posting any pictures from our trip. I had not thought it would take me so long, but I ended up being sick all week and not doing much of anything at all.
Our return trip went smoothly. On Saturday morning (March 17) we had breakfast at the hotel and checked out by 10:30. For the last time, we took a cab to Tokyo station and got our return tickets on the Narita Express to Narita Airport. I know we were there in plenty of time, but I can’t even remember if we did anything at Tokyo Station before going to wait for our train – there is certainly plenty to do there, lots of restaurants & shops.
At the airport we did check out a few shops and then had lunch – one last meal of soba noodles – before finding a spot to settle down until we could check in at the Air Canada counter. We did have a bit of a wait at the airport, since our flight was not until 5 pm, but getting there early meant a short line at the Air Canada counter and being able to get our seats switched so that we could actually sit together. There is basically a mall at the airport, so there were plenty of things to look at, and being together the wait was not too bad.
Our seats were in an emergency exit row – no seats in front of us – so Cory had lots of leg room and I had no bathroom anxiety. We also got to chat with our friendly flight attendant and he took good care of us during the flight. They fed us shortly after take off, then dimmed the lights. I squirmed around in my seat wondering if I’d ever find a comfortable position and fall asleep…Next thing I knew it was 5 hours later. They fed us our mid-flight snack of sandwich and noodles, and I passed out again for another 3 hours. Much better than the flight to Japan.
Still, when you get on a plane at 5 pm on Saturday, then get off 12 hours later and it is still/again 5 pm on Saturday, you can’t help feeling a bit messed up. Our flight home to Saint John was not until 10 pm Toronto time, so we got to spend more time hanging out in an airport. It was getting old by this point. Still, I think the longest part of that trip home was the 2 hour flight from Toronto to Saint John. By that point I just wanted it to be over.
It was probably 1:30 am by the time we got home, and by that time I found it a little hard to settle down and go to sleep. Plus, both cats were pretty much on top of us. And, hey! Have you ever noticed how huge our cats are? When I see them every day I’m pretty much used to it, but after 10 days away they seemed extra large to me.
Anyway, on Sunday I felt really awful. I figured it was jet lag and tried to make myself stay awake until bed time (actually, I probably would have fallen asleep in the living room a few times, but then Cory would start snoring and wake me up). I gave in and went to bed at 8 pm, hoping a good sleep would sort me out, but it turns out I was coming down with the flu.
Feeling much better now, though still dealing with a stuffy nose. Hopefully life will get back to somewhat normal this week and I will start posting some photos.
But for now: We were there!!!
View of Tokyo from platform at Tokyo Station
Candace at Himeji Castle
Cory at Okayama Castle