2nd travel Day

I am very lucky. As I was people watching yesterday I realized that. As a single person traveling, I am less expensive in regard to food costs. Airport food is stupidly expensive, and in situations like mine, It could really tear a hole in a family of four’s budget.
And being able to get a room at the Grand Hyatt; a lot of people can’t do that either. Mind you, it was not in my cash budget to spend that money, but that is when a credit card comes in very handy.
It was a super comfortable room, and the bed was sooo comfy. The beds in Asia tend to be, let’s say, more firm. And actually made my back hurt the 1st few nights.
I watched tv for a bit, Lol, I found BBC America and the movie “Dukes of Hazzard” was showing. I laughed and shook my head, Texas.
I woke up at 6 am, lowered the black out shades and when back to bed until 11 am. Checkout was at 12, so that was nice.
All I had with me was my backpack. And thank goodness, I put my bulky seat pillow (to sit on for long haul flights) in my suitcase before I rechecked it. I had my traveling dress on, a lightweight long sleeve sweater (in style, not material) and sneakers.
I thought, for a short train trip, I could do with this little. Maybe a 2nd dress, and definitely a change or 2 of socks and underwear.
Now I could, but would I? I’m a chronic over packer. But if I’m traveling solo, and I’m not seeing the same people day after day. And if I kept my hair super easy. Hmmm.
Another thing this trip has taught me is where I want to work on myself physically. Walking long distances, carrying a suitcase up subway station stairs ( sucks by the way, that’s part of the reason Japan has such great luggage service-that and to kept luggage off the Shinkansen). Lifting a backpack out and over my head, balance and flexibility. Nothing like some real world experience to help you get motivated. And I’m carrying extra weight. And to carry that around especially in 95 degree weather is exhausting. We will see, but I had a couple major “A-HA!” moments on this trip. I have to improve now, otherwise I won’t be able to do this in 10 years. And I want to do this in 10 years.
So I have been writing this in the Centurion Lounge. It’s relatively quiet in here today. I got in for lunch, which was very tasty and did cost anything today. (It’s costs, just not when you walk in, lol). I got a good seat, and am enjoying a 2nd cup of coffee and a chocolate chip cookie. Those cookies are good, they are crispy and (Mom will like this) they add salt so they are extra tasty.
It has been a very interesting juxtaposition visiting Japan and coming back.
While the safe and clean streets are very attractive, the reserved nature of the Japanese is one that could fester loneliness. I’m sure with some knowledge of basic Japanese and creating a home base, where you established a routine would help. Cooler weather , and being able to be out and about a bit more might help too. But having said that, staying for a month in cooler weather, that would be ideal.
When I’m not burnt out from work, I like the chatty nature of Americans. I’m that way Big time. But when I’m exhausted and tired of work, small talk becomes such a chore.
It’s been interesting. I have more to file away in my “What do I want for my future self” file. It will be neat to see how it unfolds. But for now, I’m really looking forward to getting home to see Mom, Cookie and the kitties.
My flight leaves at 3 today. Hopefully we won’t have a 3rd travel day post. But if we do, I know where I can stay and have a good meal. I’m very very lucky. ❤️Read more