So here at sit at my home for the next hour or so, Gate D15, waiting for my flight to Tokyo. I managed to find a place to plug in my laptop, so I am taking full advantage of the free electricity while I can. On my last trip to Japan, the planes had power in the seats, that was an Airbus; this time, I'll be lucky if I even get a movie on an overhead screen, this is a Boeing.
As I sit here waiting, double checking I have all the necessary documents and items (international converter, iPod cables, camera chargers, etc), I can't stop thinking about how different this trip is going to be.
First off, I'm sitting here calmly by myself, not really worrying about the trip. Granted, this time its for 7 days, not 4 months, but it's very relaxing so far. I enjoyed my salad lunch I brought myself and I wasn't too nervous to eat it. I haven't overpacked snacks because I know they will feed me plenty (unless the airlines have cut back on their food, snacks, and drinks on these international flights...). I've got my rail pass ticket to exchange, I know where to pick up my cell phone, and if nothing goes right when I first arrive, I know fully that I can handle the situations with my Japanese skills, and if not that, I've got my electronic dictionary to keep me afloat.
Second and most obviously, I've been to Japan before. I know the subway and train system, I know where things are located, and I shouldn't get lost at all. But one never can be 100% sure.
There are a few differences staring me in the face. I won't have the luxury of time to go all the places I'd like. But maybe that's the beauty of it; no matter how many times I visit Japan, or anywhere for that matter, I'll never be able to see enough. At least that leaves more to be seen for the next trip, right?
Sitting here in the airport, there's a flight that's just now boarding heading to Germany. For the most part, it's really easy to tell who is going where. Mostly by how they are dressed, but also by how they conduct themselves here at the gate. There are a few remaining that are a bit curious, I guess we'll find out if they're on this flight or not. Makes me wonder, where do I look like I'm going...
See you on the other side!
