Arrived in Tokyo/Osaka/Kobe

Wow...what a trip. Was able to get an exit row for the flight and did manage to sleep 4-5 hours which is good. Arrived at Tokyo's Narita airport at 6am Sunday and had to do a transfer to Tokyo's Haneda airport by bus. Took about 60 minutes, but enjoyed the trip for I could see the city, etc. First impression...Lots of smog and the white houses are not white anymore...but grey!!

Got to Haneda airport and checked in for my All Nippon Airways flight to Osaka. Looking around I counted maybe 3 other Westerners in this sea of Japanese. I must say though, even though the Japanese speak little to no English, they are extremely friendly and hospitable. I asked a few questions and they wouldn't point...but escort me to the counter I needed. Nice. I got checked in and went upstairs to the lounge to rest a bit and suddenly there were about 200 high school students all in uniform descended on the lounge and I was surrounded all on the same flight.

As I was leaving the aircraft in Osaka, I cracked my knee on one of the armrest. Almost brought tears to my eyes...limping off the plane and as I am writing this from the Crowne Plaza...still a bit sore. Will take it easy for the next few days.

Landed in Osaka and found the bus stall for Kobe, a 40 minute bus ride. When I got to Kobe Central, the hotel was about a 3km walk. Decided I have been sitting enough and put my travel pack and decided to walk. (Do my knee good as well.) Funny story is I was standing outside the CP(no signs of course) and unbenounced to me....and asked a woman if she knew where it was...she pointed and had me heading in the opposite direction.

Got to the hotel safe and sound...luggage in tow. Just met Sharon who works out of the London office and whom I will be observing the next 4 days. She is very nice and as this small world seems to get smaller, she applied and interviewed for a job at St Andrews Bay while I was there. Our paths didn't cross, but we know many of the same people. Well...am off to bed. Early rise tomorrow with breakfast and meeting with the Hotel directors. Will get my camera out and take some photos to post here.

written by

mtedney on November 11, 2007 from Kobe, Japan

from the travel blog: My World Tour with IDeaS

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