25 September 2009 0130

Well… I made it. We’re here at the Hotel Ilcoure – Namba, that’s in Osaka. The flight was actually not too bad. I slept a little, as best I could… watched some horrible movies, played lots of Nintendo DS and listened to too many podcasts. The flight from Detroit to Narita actually went by really quickly. We got to eat three times on the plane… something I haven’t experienced in quite some time!

Once we got to Narita, it was a lot of hurry up and wait as we had a huge layover, almost 6 hours actually. We got to exchange US Dollars for Yen. It was a lot easier than I expected, fill out a form… stand in a line… tada money changed! The flight from Narita to Kansai was a lot more like a flight at home. Smaller plane, major delay… and only about 45 minutes of flight time.

When we landed in Kansai, we of course had to go thru passport control. I tried to be cute and when the guard asked me what flight I was on, I tried to say it in my best Japanese, of course I said it wrong, they corrected me in equally bad English and laughed. Next it was customs… where I was asked “Is this all the luggage you have?” I answered yes and I was waved through. Just on the other side of customs we finally met up with Rinki. I was so happy to see him. It’s been quite a while since we had our last visit and he was a sight for sore eyes. After some not to affectionate hugging… we went off to pick up Pinoyboy’s 3G modem and got on a train to Osaka.

On the train we exchanged gifts for each other, Rinki had some things for Pinoyboy and me and we both had things for him. Everyone was so happy and excited… I felt suddenly relaxed and not at all nervous about being in a strange place. As we whisked along on a high speed train bound for Osaka I was full of hope and excitement.

We arrived at the Hotel Ilcoure Namba and thank goodness Rinki was there to help us check in! Staying in a hotel in Japan is quite a different experience than in America. First of all, my crappy Japanese was hardly good enough to even check in. Next, you pay per person not per room. Turns out Pinoyboy and I could have stayed in two rooms for the price we paid for one! To be honest, I didn’t really want to stay alone and was glad to have him for my roomate. The hotel room was tiny, but well laid out and functional. Two small twin beds, a counter with a TV and a fridge and a small bathroom with a “shower toilet” and a very deep bathtub. Tiny but comfortable but our home for the next two nights.

After we checked in changed shirts and used the facilities, we headed out in Osaka for dinner. Only problem was… it was almost 10:30PM and Rinki needed to catch the train home before midnight when they stopped running. We decided to have a quick bite at a place called Sukiya where I had a beef bowl. It was hilarious as they were only to eager to give the “Eigo Menu” or “English Menu” so I could order easier. Sad part is it took me the better part of 5 minutes to realize that it was the same menu as Rinki’s!

The food was delicious and hit the spot as I was very hungry. After we chowed down, we said our goodbyes, headed back to our room, took showers and here I am about to have a sleep… tomorrow… Himeji Castle and Kobe Beef!

23 September 2009 0830

Today I take my first trip outside of the US. I’m 36 years old and I’ve never left the country. Well that’s not 100% true… I went to Mexico on a cruise but.. no customs… no passport control, off and on the boat like it was the Jersey Shore.

Today I take a big step. I got my passport (I can’t wait to use it), I’m all packed. I think I brought too much and my suitcase is huge and heavy. I’ll be heading to Philadelphia International Airport, flying to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne International Airport, meeting up with Pinoyboy and then heading off to Natrita Airport in Tokyo and then finally to Kansai International Airport, just outside of Osaka, Japan. All told the trip will take a little over 24 hours. I leave about 9am EDT Wednesday and I will land about 8PM JST Thursday (that’s 9am EDT Thursday!). I’m a little nervous. I get pretty tired of being on the plane by the time we land in LAX usually and this is much further, but I’ve got Pinoyboy, my Kindle, my DS and my iPhone. I hope I’ll be alright.

Well it’s just about time to board… wish me luck!

I am just finally (after being home for two weeks) getting around to blogging about my trip to Japan. I know I should have done it on the trip but to be honest, there was no time! I did so much and had some much fun and to be honest, blogging while in the midst of it was the last thing on my mind. I did keep notes and sort of a diary, which I think I’ll be posting in that style. I would have started sooner but I decided to get all my photos up on Flickr and ruminate about my experiences before posting… I think I’m finally ready to start.

The photos are in one giant collection here… Japan 2009 Photos but I will post photos and links to the individual sets in each post.

I know I swore I’d blog my way thru Japan but alas here it is… day 12 and I’ve not done any! I’m not going to either I’d wager. I will blog once I get back… photos and all. Suffice it to say that in this fortnight, I’ve done and eaten so many things… I’m beyond overwhelmed and amazed. It’s been crazy from one of the oldest castles in Japan, to the top of a Mountain, to Tokyo Disneyland… it’s been amazing. Details to come…