Japan

I thought I might just do a quick blog on my flights over here, since I haven’t actually mentioned yet how my 24 hours of flying went. I know you’re probably thinking – how exciting can a blog on flights be? But bare with me, it won’t be too painful I promise.
I flew with Japan Airlines, but the flight from New Zealand to Narita, Tokyo, Japan was actually an Air New Zealand plane. I managed to break all expectations and had only 19.5 kgs of checked in luggage, but had 12 kgs in carry-on (woops). The cabin was relatively empty so I got a whole row of seats to my self. I could not sleep a wink on the flight, even though I was doped up on Anti-jetlag medication and sleeping pills. So I watched a few movies, nothing too great (Failure to Launch, Casanova, Match point, Eight below). Boring details blah blah blah, the funny thing about both of my flights was the Air Hostesses concern at my size. They were never rude, and never made me feel uncomfortable I just thought it was funny (probably just the denial kicking in). The Air NZ hostess left an extra belt for me, and discreetly took it away when I didn’t need it – I had belt to spare thank you very much!! I stopped myself at whooping with excitement at my achievement! The JAL hostess actually got me to move. Yes, after the plane had taken off she came over to me and asked me to follow her, she didn’t explain why. She moved me to a seat next to a Japanese Business man, who had two spare seats beside him, I was definitely not complaining. The flight was packed and at least this way I could try and attempt some sleep.

When I was in Japan (not even 24 hours) I found the people very friendly and highly efficient. The hotel I stayed at, which was organised by the Airline was fine. The room was small but had everything I needed. I had dinner at the hotel, and went with the ‘authentic’ option.

Now I love Sushi, but this was not close to anything I have ever tasted before. I tried everything, including the mini whole fish and even attempted to use chopsticks more than once. The waiter kept coming over to show me how to hold them correctly but it would have taken me 3 hours if I hadn’t given up. Although I have been told to do a long haul flight all in one go, I’m not sure I agree. Having a shower and sleep made me more refreshed and ready for another onslaught. Perhaps it would have been different if I’d actually slept on the flights. The Airport was huge, but easy to navigate. Customs was efficient and even made me take off my shoes. Frankfurt airport was modern and huge. Customs was a joke, I just walked through into the Arrivals area – didn’t have to do a thing. Nicole and the two boys were waiting right there, and the rest they say is history. Both flights went surprisingly quickly, all those years of watching movie after movie finally paid off! My advice is drink lots of water, even if this means frequent trips to the loo at least you’re moving and it’s something to break the monotony. Don’t drink alcohol, as you feel it three times as much in the air, and are likely to feel it three times as worse the next day not including any jetlag as well. I took the homeopathic pills ‘No Jetlag’ which you can buy in NZ, of course I’ve never had jetlag before so I cant be sure, but I definitely didn’t feel as bad as I was expecting. Just felt tired for a few days. So for those planning any long haul flights to ye old Europe, JAL wasn’t too bad, would’ve been better if the movies were on demand instead of running on a loop and I couldn’t fault Air NZ at all. The airports, although huge were easy to navigate, both have English signs and if you look lost long enough I’m sure someone would help you.

That’s all for now, hope it wasn’t too painful.