(written earlier on the plane)

There’s nothing more exciting or gives me more peace of mind than exploring distant places and learning about new cultures. Last year I went to Spain (which was awesome!), and I thought it would be fun to switch it up this year, and visit Asia instead. I found a great package deal through Singapore Airlines for a week long trip to Tokyo, so I booked it months in advance. It includes airfare, stay at the Hilton, airport transportation, and a half day tour of Tokyo. Score!

I’ve been to Japan before, but Mike never has (or been to Asia at all). He’s a product designer and a gadget aficionado, so I’m sure he’s going to love it. We’re definitely going to see some of the temples and historical sites, but I think the focus of the trip will be design, modern art, architecture, and SHOPPING! I don’t buy very much stuff in general, but I’m going to splurge a little on this trip because I adore everything that comes from Japan. I can’t help it. Buying stuff in Japan makes me feel like a little girl again – everything is so…cute. (I need more rabbity stuff. And sugary treats. Maybe something shiny and flashy, too.)

The 12 Hour Flight

I’m on the plane right now (note: I wrote this post earlier), and I’ve been quietly observing how things are run around here. I’ve heard great things about Singapore Airlines, but wow, their service is fantastic. First of all, there’s more people on staff than I’ve seen on any other international flight. Second, the staff is considerate, attentive, and courteous to everyone. Third, their attention to detail is amazing. To see a company of this scale treat their customers with so much personal care and attention is truly refreshing.

They give toys to the kids, calm babies, and talk to the parents. They offer adults free wine and beer. Quiet kids and boozed up adults – that’s how they keep the level of sanity around here. They’re impeccably dressed (in cool outfits, too) and constantly handing us hot towels to wipe our hands and offering us refreshments (the reason I’ve had to pee six times so far). None of them are cranky, impatient, having a bad day, or gossiping loudly in the back. I wish all airlines were like this.

The only drawback about the vacation package was that our flight to Tokyo had to leave from LA – which was fine, since we don’t live that far from it. Here’s the view of LA as we landed at LAX.

I took Japanese and Spanish in high school, which is great, except that I mix up the two languages all the time. Most people in Japan speak basic English, but I figured it would be nice to re-memorize the alphabet and practice common phrases on the plane, so I can at least read signs and ask where the toilet is (“Toire wa doko desu ka?”)

I got a new 11″ Macbook Air for the trip. It perfect for traveling (look how it fits on the tray!) and the battery lasts for a long time. I have to be really careful about not misplacing it – it’s small and can easily hide underneath a stack of papers.

I thought I would have internet to blog on my trip but while there’s internet everywhere in Japan, it’s not free. :(

Making a list and mapping out places to visit in Tokyo. Psyched.

I downloaded a few free Japanese language apps for my phone, but I still have the vocabulary of a three year old.

I learned how to say, “Don’t shoot! Those drugs aren’t mine!” I’m going to bust that one out at a department store.

Singapore Airlines has the best airplane food. Everything they serve looks disgusting but tastes pretty good. The food tastes like they actually cooked it, instead of simply defrosting it.

Their cutlery is beautifully designed. I stole a spoon or two. And a knife, which had to be confiscated at security.

Soba noodles! Yum.

They also had really good green tea. They also won’t let you have tea without the tray. Not sure why they were so particular about these things.

Here’s the best part – Ben and Jerry’s ice cream in Cherry Garcia! Magical.

I was exhausted after the 12 hour plane ride (although I don’t know why – all I did was sleep and eat). Then I had to take a shuttle to the hotel which was 2 hours long because of traffic and how far away the airport is. For some reason, Japan’s main airport, Narita Airport, is nowhere near any city. By the time I got to the hotel, my legs were rubber, my brain was mush, and my face felt like it was melting.

Hilton Tokyo

Our room was straight out of the 90s, but otherwise really nice.

I loved the mini bar area. There was a hot water maker (like the one I have at home!), a great tea selection, and western and eastern tea cups. It’s like I never left home.

Hotel green tea was yummy.

The bathroom had everything. Including an electronic bidet which always started a giggling session.

Japan is so advanced, they found a way for hairdryers to make your hair instantly healthy.

Wearing hotel kimonos and doing you know, the asian-hand-thing.

White boy doesn’t know to take off his socks for slippers.

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