Jet Lag and New Food

Ohayo Gozaimas!

Hello everyone! Sorry it has taken awhile to post, but we are still acclimating. The flight went so smoothly - a bit cramped but it is a distinct bonus to travelling with two kids - they give you extra room. We left at 3:15am from our home in Richmond to go to the airport. We arrived in Tokyo at 2:50am the next morning (3:50 in the afternoon Tokyo time - but didn't make it to our apartment until after 8. It was a very long journey. While in Chicago we found a children's lay area set up by the Children's Museum and met some very interesting fellow adventurers. They had a lovely little girl named Lucy who Ashley befriended and took a pic with wearing matching sunglasses. They were both tickled they had the same taste (and moms who love Target).

On the flight, we were served three meals, but what was interesting, in Japanese style they brought around hot wet towls for us to wash with before the meal. We soon learned it is extremely customary here to do so. At the fast food places even you are given a packet with a wet wipe to wash with before you eat.

On the flight, mostly we slept. On the one from Richmond to Chicago, however, as the children sent the trip in dreamland, I was called to hel with a woman who had passed out. No other Docotrs or Nurses where on the flight. I waited quietly hoping someone would step forward with more training than I, but when there was no response, I quickly went to see what was happening. I was not sure of the legality of my actions, but was certain of the morality. It was a middle aged woman who had no radial puls (the one at thr wrist) and was in and out of conciousness. I did the best I could without any equipment and was able to keep her somewhat concious until we landed and met an awaiting ambulance. It turned out that she had repetitively had her blood pressure drop due to some pre-existing condition. She was treated by the Chicago Medic, given her medication which she had forgotten that morning and was able to catch her next flight.

On the flight to Japan - nothing of interest happened. We did get a special tour of the cockit as we were the last passengers to exit the plane. What was most interesting was the amount of luxury and room the first class passengers enjoyed! Their chairs laid down into full beds! One day :) We however, did have our own TV screens with remotes with free movies, video games, and reruns from popular shows. Also included was an array of music stations. Not bad for coach!

I have to comment here that the Japanese people are so wonderful whenit comes to families and to children in general. One thing I have noticed many children in the 6-10 range are travelling alone throughout the city. They take their subway cards and go where they need to. I saw a small group of girls today doing just that. They were all younger than Ashley!! It is truly amazing. But immediately after arriving, the same courtesies were extended to us. A customs officer saw us standing in the monstrous line (over 90 min wait) and pulled us aside to go through the priority line. Our passports were checked, visas issued, and we were on our way. Of course our baggage was not so efficient. It took another hour beofre our bags appeared on the conveyor belt. Whew!! They all made it!

Then off to the bus to take us to our part of town. On the ride, we tried to note the scenery, but our eyelids demanded a break. When we arrived at the Tokyo City Air Terminal, we hailed a cab, handed over our map (in Japanese of course) (GO ME for thinkin gof it!!) and were on our way. It was another 25 minutes before our driver found the building. - Funny thing is it is less than a 4 minute walk - we go there frequently to catch the subway :)

We took our luggage upstairs to our room and were quite impressed. The size - while less than the size of our kitchen back home is very efficiently used. At night, when we all are sleeping, there is no floorspace left except for the short walkway to the toilet. It is all quite luxurious though. The bed is very comfortable, and we paid for a Japanese style futon for Jeremy to sleep on which is folded up and set aside during the day. It is not like the futon in any way that we are familiar with in the states. It is very soft and comfortable.

The kitchen is a small space in the hallway with a sink and two burner stove. The entire bathroom is a shower! With a small tub inside to soak in once you are clean. The toilet is in a separate compartment and is equiped with more buttons than my computer. Jeremy discovered the bidet and was not really impressed. The seat warmer, however is impressive. Our washing maching is quite the contraption. You truly do put in your clothes and when you come back four hours later they are washed and dryed!! We have discovered other little trinkets as well - one thing that is interesting is the hot water that never runs out. You set the temp on the control panel outside the shower area. Instantly the water that runs through the pipe is heated to that temp. We discovered this one evening when Ashley wanted to take a bath and we ran the water for nearly twenty minutes and still it was freezing cold. How odd I thought. Then we found the panel and pushed buttons until the display read 44 C. Miraculously and instantly hot water poured from the faucet. I am not sure how this all is accomplished but it is very interesting anyway!

The other interesting features - we also have a PS2 but no games, a flat panel TV but nothing in English, a rice cooker, and a fax machine. We were luck enough to get a unit with a window/balcony as well. It makes it hard to sleep in though.

Well - I must go for now. I will write again soon to let you know of our adventures! We miss everyone!!

Special note to Sue - WOW!! Amazing story from Anna! What a miracle. I want to hear all about it!!