JapanTokyoŌtaKeihinjimaTokyo International Airport35°32’53” N 139°46’4” E
November 17, 2023 in Japan ⋅ 🌧 54 °F
Spending the night at the airport hotel the night before a flight is one of the kindest things I can do for myself when I travel.
I spent the night at the one of the Haneda airport hotels. It is directly attached to the International flight terminal.
Once I had navigated Tokyo Station and got to the airport, I popped out right where I had began. I saw where I had stood in line to get my JR pass. I bought dinner at the 7-11 where I had picked up my Coldplay tickets ( Egg salad sandwich, shrimp flavored chips[I discovered those in Thailand and LOVE them] and Pocky sticks-dark chocolate ) and laughed out loud when I followed the sign to the hotel and it was so close.
My flight left Tokyo at 10:55 am, so I got up the next morning, was up, dressed and down to breakfast by 7am. I found on this trip, to get up first thing, eat; get food and hot fluids in me, and I would feel better.
So I was able to have a dare I say, relaxing morning before my flight.
Japan Air premium economy is great. Headphones, slippers, blanket , pillow, good food, miso soup, hot green tea, good movies and seats that recline within a shell, so you don’t bother the person behind you.
So I ate slept, watched a movie, ate, slept some more and ate again, then we landed here in Dallas. I have some time , so I went to the Centurion lounge for breakfast. I know I said at the beginning of the trip that I wasn’t that impressed, but I have changed my mind. It’s a nice respite after a flight, to be able to sit down in a comfortable chair, get a plate of food, something to drink, take a shower “, charge your phone, and breathe.
This trip was really something different for me. There is so much more I wanted to do. But I realized I really had to slim down my itinerary and my expectations for what I could and couldn’t do. I realized very quickly I couldn’t do a full day then go see Coldplay. Coupled with the fact that I have been trying to manage a nasty head cold the entire trip, I was just going to have to prioritize.
I wish I could have gotten better pictures of Toyko at night. But by the time the concerts were over, I was exhausted. I also realized by heading up to the Far reaches of Northern Japan, I was going to have to give up a few extra days in Tokyo. I wanted to see a different part of Japan. A part that was off the beaten track. lol, I definitely went there.
So I will sleep in my own bed tonight. I can’t wait to see Cookie and the kitties. And Mom of course.Read more
JapanHokkaidoMatsukazechōMatsukazechō Eki41°46’22” N 140°43’56” E November 16, 2023 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 54 °F
Last full day in Japan. Woke up and my voice is gone. But with the help of some miso soup, hot tea , breakfast and cold meds I’m feeling more manageable.
I’m taking a Shinkansen back to Tokyo today at 5 pm. There are only 3 other people in my car so hopefully the ridiculous amount of luggage I have to bring on board won’t shame me too much. And I picked a seat in the back row where people reserve a seat when they have a lot of luggage.
So I now have all day and I figured I’d go into Hakodate to walk around a bit.
So I look at the signs and get on the train. I’m listening to music, looking at the sights, then I wonder where we are in the journey and check Google maps. lol, I’ve gone the wrong way again. So at the next stop I get off ( I saw that there was a train going back the other way in about 15 minutes) and cross the tracks ( wooden walkway and steps show that’s how you are supposed to) and now I am standing at an unmanned Japanese local light rail station ( on a beautiful day) in the middle of the countryside with not a soul around. lol. And there is a sign that says be careful of snakes. Or to please brake for snakes. Lol. Well I wanted adventure.
Thank you Jesus, these trains are so punctual. I am back on and heading the right way. I am the only one on this train, and I wonder what these train drivers think when they see a white lady standing out at a remote train station,🤦♀️
So I figured I had about an hour and a half to catch up h the 3pm rapid train back to Shin Hakodate (where my hotel is and where I catch the Shinkansen. So I needed more cold meds. Lol, I have seen more of the streets of Japan looking for a drug store. So I find it, but it is an rx pharmacy only. They were very kind and gave me a map ( they must have to do this every day) to a place to get OTC meds. So I go. I walk for a few, and I’m heading away from the tourist district. And I come across this drug store and it’s HUGE!so I go in and by this time, I know what I’m looking for and I get it. I also have discovered this Nivea lip balm that I am LOVING! I literally buy 2-3 every time I go in a place and see them.
It’s interesting, I can see business shuttered and with the Yen weakened , I wonder how people in these little cities do.
I did see a lot of small restaurant/bars selling seafood. And I saw the seafood guys making their deliveries. I’m not that big of a fan of Japanese style seafood. I like some. But they do a lot of squid, octopus, whelk, abalone and I’m just not that into it. Funny enough, I will eat the shit out of some eel. But it’s always cooked.
I got back to my hotel, rounded up my luggage and walked ( literally) the 90 seconds to the JR station.
So in Japan, there are places just outside of the city (Shin-Osaka, Shin-Hakodate) that are the Shinkansen stations. And they are perfect little hubs if you are traveling thru. So last night I stayed at Shin-Hakodate, instead of The city Hakodate. I wanted to be closer to the Shinkansen with all my luggage.
So this hotel has it all, convenience store, couple of small places to eat, gift/souvenir store. And the JR station has the same kind of stores. So it was actually easier to stay on the JR line and take a train into the city.
And I really hemmed and hawed about whether or not to take the Gran Class car back to Tokyo. And heck yes, it is worth it. It’s also nice that there is literally one other person in this car with me.
As my last leg of my journey, this is a really nice way to end it. I’ll get in about 9:30 pm to Tokyo station. The rush will be over and it won’t be as crowded to navigate onto the airport line and get to my hotel. I am so glad I am staying at the hotel at the airport. It makes things so much easier. Less stressful.
The trip from Tokyo station to the International terminal (where my hotel is ) was not as bad as I thought it could be. But I also came in later after rush hour. I also know when looking for a route via Google I can enter in options for access to elevators. And now I look for them. When I finally got to the international departures hall, it was right where I had come in. I had come full circle. And I felt much wiser and seasoned than when I arrived. (Although I did pretty good on arrival)
I’m not sad to go. It’s time. I’d like to come back and see some museums, some shrines, and explore more neighborhoods in Tokyo.
Being under the weather for this trip really helped keep me in check. I could only do so much. And I’m glad I got as much rest as I did.
So I will go down for one last breakfast, and my flight leaves around 10:30.
I was listening to Coldplay on the train in. I hear them differently now. Those concerts were really “my happy place”. I’m glad I have those memories to carry with me.Read more
JapanHokkaidoMori-machiIshikuraHonishikura-eki42°9’28” N 140°28’28” E November 15, 2023 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 46 °F
Had a good night sleep, and was up and out to the train station this am by 5:45 am.
We had just gotten going for a few minutes, when we came to a full stop suddenly. The train had hit a deer. I did some reading after about it, and it’s a big problem as the deer like to lick the tracks for iron. The Japanese have a “deer-like warning snort” sound before the train comes. Or the sound of a barking dog.
Myself and the other passenger in the car looked out the window to see if we could see anything and we saw the train employees looking a a deer in the snow. Unfortunately it had been hit, but not killed. 🤦♀️
I read that the train company is very good about handling them once they have died, but nothing about if they haven’t. And these guys definitely do not carry guns.
So yeah, that how my morning started. But that is the reality of man and animals intersecting in any country.
So now the driver is extra wary and keeps hitting the brakes.
It put us 10 minutes behind schedule, so I have only a 10 min window to get my next train. I have already looked for when the next one comes and that won’t be a problem. Today was just a travel day anyway.
They held the connecting train for us!! A Japanese train being 20 minutes late is a HUGE deal here. So they held it for the connecting passengers.
There was a guy on the train on the way up yesterday and he was sitting behind me this morning and he said Hello, and we chatted
For a few minutes. We were the only ones in our car so when we hit the deer, he translated for me. Then we were arrived at 10:31 am and the other train was supposed to leave at. 10:30. He asked me if I was going to Sapporo and then told me they said they were holding the train, which was right across the platform. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
So we made it. I’m still saying prayers for that poor deer. It was a young male ( small antlers) sometimes I think, they think they are faster than they really are. (Young males in general).
Seeing that injured deer made me sad. I’m on the last leg of my journey for today. I’m sad that I fly out on Friday. But I miss home.
The juxtaposition of traveling I guess.
So here are some random things I’ve noticed:
-They are doing a lot of solar here.
- people here video and take pictures of everything, anywhere, anytime. They will stop in the middle of a train entrance to take video of it snowing. Grown men.
(And I know this isn’t just limited to Asia) But I saw people recording the entire Coldplay concert at all 4 of them . 🤦♀️
-The Japanese are super stylish. Men and women.
- There seems to be a lot of money in Taiwan.
Or, maybe it was that there was a lot of money coming in and out of the hotel I stayed at in Kaohsiung.
- when Coldplay moved from the front stage (to the small stage in the back of the arena) and you are on the floor, with mass amounts of people running towards and past you, to get a good place in front of the small stage;
I never have felt the Herd mentality more than at that moment. (Longest run on sentence ever) I literally felt like I was standing in the middle of a heard of wildebeests. All streaming past, zig zagging, running every which way.
-I really think TOTO must have a contract with the National of Japan. They had Toto Washlets in every airport stall , sink and bath faucets in every hotel room. (Accept for up in Wakkanai, they had the Western style bath faucet that we are used to, and they had very detailed instructions how to use it.
-The Toto washlet control panel even has a button that sounds like flushing, so people can’t hear you pooping.
-Japanese are very nice. Friendly, helpful, low key , and they do not do small talk. And I know it’s because I don’t speak the language, but they are known for no small talk.
-They have these machines in 7-11’s that you put your own cash in and it give you change back ( bills and coins ) The cashier rings you up, but you deal with the automated machine when you pay. I love that! I’m going to put up a picture of it.
-When you recycle your plastic bottle, you take the label off and put the cap in a separate bin. And people actually do it!
- When I was flying from Tokyo to Sapporo, I was in the domestic terminal of JetStar ( the low cost Japanese regional airline. I walked past the line for People getting onto a flight to Okinawa. It was jarring seeing all these young Marines covered in Japanese tattoos. I made an effort to be respectful and cover my tattoos. It just seemed like such an, for lack of a better word, occupation. Having spent a week among the Japanese, then to think there is a HUGE marine base on Okinawa. I mean I know it’s about the terms of surrender after WW2, but it just felt oppressive. That, and I forgot how aggressive they teach 19 yr old marines to be.
Well, I’m safe and sound in a little city called Hakodate. I take the Shinkansen tomorrow at 5:30 pm back to Tokyo, where I’m spending the night at the airport hotel. That way I’m not scrambling my last morning.Read more
JapanHokkaidoSapporoSapporo Station43°4’8” N 141°21’2” E November 14, 2023 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 36 °F
Snow. I woke up to snow this morning. Well, not really snow. Kinda snow. It’s sticking, but it’s slushy, drizzly and, would be a pain in the ass to drive to work in. But I brought the right shoes and pants (super comfy fleece lined water resistant) and my coat. I bought the coat on the fly and it’s called a HH Belfast winter coat. Warm on the inside and raincoat-y on the outside. And as soon as I stepped outside this am, I knew it had all been worth it. Dragging around an extra suitcase with all this winter shit in it when it’s been 80 degrees in Tokyo this whole time.
So my snafu from last night is that if I ship my luggage from Sapporo back to Tokyo today. They are afraid it won’t get there by Thurs evening. (I fly home Friday am). And I refuse to stress over the logistics of this trip. I went to 4 concerts in 2 foreign countries. Everything is figure-out-able. And I’m really working on”it’s not what happens in life, it’s your reaction”.
So the issue is I have 2 big suitcases and one carryon). And due to the huge increase in foreign tourism post pandemic they have set tighter rules for luggage that can be brought on. I don’t think they would deny you passage, but it’s the whole courtesy to others, it’s really ingrained in the fabric of the culture.
So I had reserved (for the last leg- 5 hr stretch back to Tokyo) the Gran class car on the Hokkaido Shinkansen. It’s one of those things you do once, it costed extra, and I thought it would be a nice way to end the trip. So generally, if you have extra baggage you reserve a seat in the last row and there is a place for your stuff. If you don’t reserve those seats, you can’t put your stuff there.
So back when the young man showed me how to use the vending machine he had me scan the QR code on my JR pass. When I did it on my own, I never saw Gran class. So I had to go to the office. Well, I went to the office last night at the JR station ( across the street from my hotel) and the office was closed. So I found the JR pass vending machines and tried to see what I could find with a seat for oversized baggage. I found and exchange button. You put your reservation ticket in and you can change it. I did it. And was so excited. Then I realized I had done it for a week ahead. 🤦♀️And it won’t let you exchange it again.
So I wanted to read a bit more about what seats had baggage access. Well, of course my WiFi had run out of juice and the station WiFi is shit. For such an advanced country , their public WiFi is terrible. (I think the govt spent all the $$ putting Toto attachments in every single restroom in the country, lol. )
So I went and got some takeout and went back to the hotel. I needed to regroup and charge my WiFi and phone.
I found a diagram about which seats to pick and took a screenshot of it. Then I got dressed again and went back across the street to the JR vending machines in the station. Well how cool, as I was walking it started to flurry. I laughed and thought” Well, it’s going to snow, and at least you are here. All part of the adventure!”
So I knew I couldn’t change my original Gran class ticket. I knew I could get any “green car” seat ( as my pass was a Green car pass) so I started looking for the train I wanted, the different times, and the seat map. It wasn’t busy, there were no tourists, it was around 9 pm and I had nothing but time. I figured I could just get a refund on the gran class and take the green car (on the same train maybe different time) at no additional cost.
So I started hitting different buttons and seeing what I could find under them. And I went under a different button than I ever had and did NOT scan my QR code for my JR pass; and up came my Shinkansen, all the times and this time I could see what they had for availability under green car and Gran car.
So I looked and looked and looked. I was also thinking about having to navigate Tokyo station with all that luggage. So I found a very empty ( so far ) Gran class car , train leaves at like 4pm and gets in at 9. And I got a seat in the last row. And I paid the up charge again. And I got the damn ticket that I wanted and needed for my extra luggage. Now I don’t know if gran class has extra baggage space in the last row like Green and Ordinary”class” does. But I picked the least occupied time of the day, and picked the last seat. Any conductor will see that I made the best attempt to handle my extra luggage the way the Shinkansen rules ask you too. That’s all I can do.
And when I get to Wakkanai today, I can ask about a refund on the original Gran Class ticket. Worst case, I pay for it 2x. The dollar has gotten stronger since I got here, I was able to buy a bunch of stuff tax free (it’s a thing they do for foreigners, purchase a certain amount. Don’t consume it there, take it out of the country you don’t pay taxes on the items. ) so if I have to give extra to help the Japan economy post pandemic, so be it.
So then I was able to go back to my room and crash.
This morning I was showered, breakfasted, caffeinated, cold-medicined, packed (I brought less in my little carry-on than I thought I would, I was very proud) and out the door into the snowy morning at 6:30 am. These stations remind me very much of Grand Central. The scurrying to catch the train is very universal. And these trains that fan in and out of the big cities are very much like the commuter trains, I always think of the Metro North heading out of NYC.
I stoped and got a bento box for the ride up, Coffee that is in a bottle, looks cold but is hot ( love that idea) green tea and a couple of bottles of water. This cold has joined up with me again since I’ve come back to lower humidity but its days are numbered I can tell.
Tokyo might be packed, but this area in the north is very sparsely populated. I can’t believe how much snow I’m seeing. And I have seen literally about 20 big deer (male and female) and 1 very large eagle way up in tree. Not the deer, just the eagle, lol.
As we get closer to Wakkanai the wind starts to pick up and it really starts to snow hard. We arrive and the snow is really coming down hard. I see the JR office and am able to get my original Gran class ticket refunded. I have been using a lot of translation apps these last 2 days. And it really helps. People have been very kind and patient. I’ve also been a good customer. Friendly patient and in no hurry.
After that is taken care of , I go check out the JR station gift shop that has a couple of small places to get food. Hokkaido is known for its milk. And all things dairy here, especially the ice cream. So I sat and had one before I left the safety and warmth of the station to tackle the unplowed sidewalks and parking lots on Wakkanai. I’m such a Florida girl. The sidewalks were buried and I sure as hell wasn’t walking in the streets. The coat, pants, shoes, and wool socks were perfect!! I’m so glad I dragged that stuff. There is no way I could have walked through that snow in any other kind of shoe. They would have soaked and ruined. Just like wearing jeans in the snow. I say a guy in jeans walking through the snow. They will be soaked and take forever to dry.
I checked into my hotel. It’s very nice, but not a lot of people , especially this time of year. lol, it kinda reminded me of the hotel in “the shining.” That movie really ruined a lot of us.
So I put my stuff down and went back out in the weather. I also wanted to get dinner for tonight and stuff for the train ride tomorrow. It’s going to be a 9 hr journey and no time in between long enough to get food. So I did. Then I walked around town a bit. Some sidewalks.were not clear, just 1 or 2 people’s footprints. I really just enjoyed being in the moment, Slogging through shin deep snow, no one else around, kinda talking to myself about the “what are we doing here?” Then explaining to myself what we were doing here. It gets dark about 4: 15 pm so I had an early dinner and am hitting the hay in a few minutes. I’m really glad I made this journey up here. My room is nice clean and cosy. And I’m
To be up tomorrow by 5 ish. I have a long travel day, my train leaves here tomorrow at 6:30 am and I’d like to be at the station around 6.Read more
North Pacific Ocean 42°13’32” N 141°31’37” E November 12, 2023, North Pacific Ocean ⋅ 🌬 41 °F
The city’s hotels are all at capacity. The conference for mech-industrial engineering/shipping/(I heard someone at breakfast say) gun mounts/international something was making it tough to get hotels at the beginning of the year. The hotel managers are all running around smiling at the guests and nudging the employees. It was nice to eat as soon as they opened then get out of there.
I was trying to figure out why there are more Westerners at the Taiwan shows. You can get tickets on StubHub. The Tokyo shows were through lottery and seem very daunting.
My wicked cold is nearing the end of its visit with me and is packing up to go. It’s been about 10-12 days and it’s the 1st day I have woken up and not felt like shit. I’m really glad, b/c I’m flying out to the Northern most prefecture (like a State) and it is snowing and going to be really cold.
Taiwan reminds me more of Thailand. (It’s probably the motorbikes. But it’s a 1st world country and is clean and ranked as one of the safest countries period. Also, I’m comparing it to Japan, which is such a culture independent of anything else in the Asian world.
And, I just read that Taiwan was a colony of Japan, but was turned over to China after WW2. And something else I noticed last night. No stray kitties. They are cat crazy as a culture but I didn’t see any street kitties.
Taiwan is supposed to be an excellent place for expats. Hmmmmm. Add another option to the “retire in Asia” list. The dollar seems to do well here too. That braised pork set I had for lunch yesterday was $6.00. And that was good nutritious whole food.
The people here have been very nice too.
So I have just come back from the 4th show. 4th show and have been reflecting on the whole process from beginning to end. Truly, I am just amazed that :
a) I bought tickets for concerts in Taiwan when I was going to be in Japan; “making a long weekend out of it”. Then, thinking that applying for, and getting, tickets in Tokyo was such a long shot, but nothing ventured, nothing gained; and doing it anyway-then actually getting tickets for BOTH nights. 🤦♀️
B) 1 ticket for Taiwan was mailed to my house and the other mailed to my hotel in Khaosiung, and I really didn’t think that I would end out actually getting those tickets in my hand. And I did.
C) The thought that I would see Coldplay in Tokyo ( not to mention Taiwan) was so far away from my list of all things possible, I just don’t even know. I never even dreamed of something that good.
D) And it really goes to show, if you don’t try you will never know.
I did something a little different at this last show. First, I found a good spot, with room to dance and see the stage and just stayed there. Even with coffee and cold meds, I was tired last night. I knew what the last 2 songs were and I have never really liked either of them. So when the 2nd to the last song started I had made my way to the stairs to go up the side of the stadium and go out the way I came in. I could hear the last songs as I was leaving and they sounded great. By the time the concert ended, I was 1/2 way down the 1.3 km boulevard towards the metro station.
The night before stood in a crowd halfway up the Blvd as we slowly made our way to the same metro station. It was fine and fun to watch the crowd, but I wasn’t interested in doing that again. I rounded the corner and headed up the metro station stairs with out stopping and was able to get on the 1st train that came in. It was really nice.
So it is now Monday am about 8:10 am. I made the choice to get an early flight so I could make the most of this day. I went to bed at 1 am, got up at 4 am and was packed ready and waiting for my 5:30 car service to come pick me up. The hotel had been very kind and asked me if I needed a taxi and I had said no. Well, the car service never showed. At 5:38 I went in and asked the doorman for a taxi. There was one that was sitting right there in their driveway so they got me in and off I went. I messaged the car service and will email them when I’m not running around trying to catch flights.
Had a bit of a snafu at the airport as well. I had gone thru security and was at passport control when a China Air rep came running up to me. They needed me to open my checked luggage as there was something in there they needed to verify/check/have me take out. I was like Sure. So turns out it was my neck fan. I thought they just needed to identify it. So I showed it to him, then put it back in the checked luggage.
25 min later, I’m having coffee and rice/meat/veggies for a good Asian breakfast and they come up to me again. Luggage control needs me to open my luggage. I said, “Yes, it’s my neck fan. I showed it to him. “ This is where language and cultural barriers come into play. A rep from JFK would have said “You have to take that with you. “ But no one said that. And I didn’t ask. ( good lesson there) So we had to go back through security and I found myself in front of the same guy. So I asked, this needed to go with me, it cannot be checked? And he said correct.
Funny enough I had to go back through security and passport control a total of 3 times. lol, thank goodness it wasn’t very busy. It seemed like there was something I was supposed to be learning, so I was making sure to go with the flow.
So now we are taxi-ing down the tarmac getting ready to take off. I saw 2 private planes as I was boarding. I’m going to assume those belong to Coldplay and not a couple of Taiwanese business men. It’s more fun in my version.
So I boarded and promptly feel asleep. I declined the beautiful meal they offered as I had eaten in the lounge. The last trip when I flew home from Bangkok, I should have declined that meal, it had been delicious but I overdid it and could only sip peppermint tea the whole way home.
I’m landing in Tokyo soon, have to get my bag, go through immigration, transfer to a domestic terminal to fly up to Sapporo.
They do immigration and customs with a QR code if you want. I did not know I could text and walk at the same time. I had to register for it and fill it out. It makes it way faster than standing in line with paper documents. I’m feeling very tech savvy. I got checked in, cold meds with caffeine, lunch and I’m about to get in the plane to Sapporo. I even remembered to pull my winter coat out of my suitcase before checking it in.
So lunch had been eaten, Japanese daytime cold meds ( with caffeine ) have been taken, and a bottle of water and some chocolate have been consumed.
Now you may remember I was freaking out about the whole cold medicine trafficking worry. Well, my thought is I’m just going to be in the country for this next week and it will all be taken by the end of the week.
This has been the longest post ever. I’m in Sapporo, it’s lovely and cold. I can’t ship my luggage from her back to Tokyo and have it make it there by Thurs night. But I can ship it to Shin-Hakodate ( where I will be staying Wed night.) But now I’m going to have all my fucking luggage with me on the last leg. So I am trying to find out about oversized luggage seating because that’s what they do now. Which is fine, but. Well, this trip has gone so smoothly I was wondering where the hiccup would be. It’s all in how you react right?Read more
TaiwanTakaoZizhuNanmen22°42’14” N 120°17’39” E November 11, 2023 in Taiwan ⋅ 🌙 79 °F
Breakfast this morning was on a level I have never seen. This hotel has one of of the biggest and best buffets I’ve ever seen. Sections of Foods from The West, Taiwan, Japan, and China. I have seen more Westerners here this morning, lots of American Blue collar management/engineer “I travel to Asia for work” /“maybe shipping but I wear camo baseball hats, drink a lot and talk real loud”kinda guys.
So after breakfast I came back up to the room and have napped all day in this glorious bed. I’ve wondered a few times if I should be doing more sightseeing, but I’m listening to my body. I’m going to the 1st night of Coldplay here in Kaohsiung (my 3rd concert for those is keeping track) and it is taking a lot out of me. I’m ok with this trip being what it is. I am doing everything I came here to do. I am also aware that I will need to hit the ground running when I go back to work and being able to rest is really what I need.
The air quality here is very poor today. We will see how it is this evening.
So I had gone down to the desk this morning to ask a couple of things. One was that I had noticed that I am on the executive floor. They had said something about upgrading my room. So I asked, If I am on the Executive floor, do I have Executive Lounge Access? Now I didn’t pay for it, they upgraded me. Either way I didn’t care but it never hurts to ask. So they gave it to me!
So it really never hurts to ask.
I finally got up around 3:30ish. I wanted to eat and shower and be on the way by 6:30. Google maps said it would take about an hour to get the the venue via walking/metro.
So there is a HUGE dept store attached to this hotel, and they have a food court in the basement floor. I have learned that in parts of Asia the food courts on the basement level of dept are supposed to be really good. And I didn’t even have to leave the building.
I found lunch, braised pork belly w/rice set. Had really nice fresh veggies with it and soup with a fish ball and pieces of mackerel. I have discovered I don’t mind mackerel, on this trip.
So I went back upstairs, got ready and by the time I actually left the hotel it was almost 7 pm. One thing that has been a challenge is finding out what time the band goes on stage. They tell you when the doors open and when the opener goes on, but not when the actual band comes on. So the ticket said 7:30.
In Japan, they went on at 7:15 ( the trains stop running at a certain time, hence the earlier time) So I figured I’d shoot for 7:30. Well already running behind. No worries, I’ll see all 4 shows I can be late. So I have to walk 15 minutes to the metro station. And the hard part with Google maps is starting out. It always turns me around. I have to bust out the compass when it says “Head West”.
So I get to the metro station. And I know I need to get a ticket or ideally a 1-2 day pass to ride the train. And I’ve gotten comfortable with the ticket vending machines in Japan.
But I’m just not finding what I need.
Then, 2 girls appear, one speaking perfect English, asks if I needed some help. I tell her what I need and they walk me over to the 7-11 (right there in the station ) and she helps me get a metro card. And ends up speaking to the clerk for me. She was a HUGE help. So I got my metro card. I probably put too much money on it. But I didn’t know how much it would be, hadn’t done the exchange rate math , and definitely didn’t want to get stranded after the concert because I hadn’t put enough on the card.
So I am on the way on the train, the Taiwan really know how to do a/c. It felt really good.
I was worried about the smog alert today, but by this evening it didn’t seem very bad. Funny enough, my throat feels the best it’s felt all trip. I think it’s the humidity. My body responds better to it, lol.
So I get off the train, and have to walk another 15 minutes. But I see a couple of people getting off too, and I KNOW they are going to the concert, so I kinda watch where they go.
As I’m walking , I am reminding myself that it’s ok if you miss the 1st few songs. But I got there and they hadn’t even gone on yet!!
So I run to the bathroom then make my way down to the floor. Now for these 2 shows I have general admission floor tickets. Which means you stand and there are no assigned seats, no seats at all.
Well it was fantastic! I much prefer it that way. You can stand in the back or along the sides in little empty pockets. So you can sing , spin, dance, bob up and down and have some space!! I moved around too, seeing where it was good for different songs.
Khaosuing stadium is open air, and it was hot. But I knew it would be and prepared for that. I bought one of those neck fans. I wore it the whole time and it was the BEST thing I brought on this trip. I knew it would be.
Heading home was interesting. About 1/2 the stadium crowd was taking the metro and there is ONE station that everyone has to get through. But the city did a wonderful job managing the crowds. There was a guy on a megaphone that was directing things in the metro station and making everyone laugh. Have no clue what he was saying, lol.
What a cool experience. What I haven’t seen as far a sightseeing, I feel like I am making up for seeing these concerts in these 2 different countries. I like Taiwan. There are lots of people riding motorbikes. Lots of people eating noodles on small plastic stools. It’s the climate. It is conducive to spending more of life outside. Restaurants are small and tables and stools spill out onto the sidewalks. There is a rhythm that is nice.
I look forward to seeing more of it tomorrow.Read more
JapanŌsakaSennan-gunKansai Airport Station34°26’6” N 135°14’40” E November 10, 2023 in Japan ⋅ 🌧 64 °F
I got up early and went down to breakfast. I throw on t shirt and jeans and try to make my hair look less rumpled and head down. There are 10-12 Japanese businessmen a couple of foreign tourists and me. I have found when I travel in a country in which I do not speak the language, it makes for a quieter experience for my brain. I don’t absorb the conversations, or find myself listening. It’s very peaceful.
A good front is finally coming through, and the temperature through the country will finally drop. (Of course, on the day I fly off to hot humid Taiwan) so it was pouring this morning. I had plans for round 2 of Don Quixote and more conveyor belt sushi. But I asked for a late check out of 2pm, and I found myself pulling the blackout shades closed and sleeping for another 3 hours. That’s the 2nd time I’ve done that this week and it really feels luxurious. It’s another reason I like to travel alone. If I was on a tour, I’d be dragged from place to place and all I’ve been wanting to do is a 1/2 day, then rest, and go to bed early.
So I repacked. I am taking 1 of the 24’ suitcases with me to Taiwan. I repacked the other one with things I’m not needing at the moment and I packed the smaller 18’ suitcase with the items I’m going to take when I take the train up north. That way it will already be packed and I won’t have to do it after a long day of travel.
So I shipped 1 big and 1 small suitcase via Yamato from my hotel to my next hotel up in Sapporo (northern Japan) when I come back from Taiwan on Monday , I fly into Tokyo, then fly up to Sapporo. It makes the best use of the time I have.
Then I had the hotel hold my bag for an hour while I went to a drug store down the street searching for real cold medicine , in the rain. The rain was great, as I finally got to wear my ankle boots that I specifically bought for this trip and it has been to hot to wear them until today. A rainy fall day is my favorite kinda of day, especially in a new city.
The hotel lent me a big clear umbrella to take with me. The clear umbrella is a very Japanese thing. I must say it is nice as you can see through them. I will have to google that.
So I had googled best Japanese cold meds and was on the hunt for a couple specific ones. I found 2 , one with caffeine and 1 with out. But at the register, they show you this whole long thing ( they showed me the on in English) about how you can only buy 1 box and can’t buy more. So I got the one with caffeine. I figured I could get another box at the airport drugstore and I’d be set.
The trip to the airport via train was pretty straightforward. I have gotten comfortable navigating the metro systems and the suitcase I had was bigger, but easy to manage.
I stopped and got an egg salad sandwich at 7-11 before I started. I have learned with this evil head cold that I have to eat and drink plenty of fluids on a regular basis. If I don’t I go downhill fast. This cold is manageable, but I have to manage it.
So I get to the airport. On the rapid train there, there were a lot of high school kids getting on and off. It was fun watching them. Humans are really all the same.
So before I get in the plane, I have to get my pocket WiFi for Taiwan. So I roamed around a bit and found the convenience store (Lawson- like 7-11) and just like the Coldplay tickets, showed the clerk the voucher and he gave me the pocket WiFi.
Next to the Lawson was a drugstore. In Japan, you have to go to a drugstore to find the OTC meds. They have tiers of them apparently. I had the one with caffeine, and I wanted to get some to take a night. I had an idea of what I wanted so I took it up to the register. This time, they asked me more questions. In English. What are your symptoms? Have you purchased this at another store? I told her my symptoms and that I had not purchased any of this same cold medicine anywhere else. Well. I had purchased cold meds, not this brand and this had different ingredients, and really ? It’s just cold meds and I don’t feel good.
But I left outta there feeling not good. I had lied to them. And not only that, but I was getting ready to leave the country go to another one and then come back in a few days. That was a lot of customs. And Taiwan has different laws in regards to certain ingredients in cold meds. Then I thought, you are in a different country. Different laws. Things have been going so smoothly, I have been expecting a hiccup. But being detained in Japan over cold meds is no hiccup. And I could easily see it happening. Lol, my boss would kill me! We are short staffed enough!
Then I thought I’d just put it in my checked luggage. Then all the Shows I’ve watched about people getting busted in the airport started running through my mind. Then I thought, on those shows, they have generally already been watching them before they get busted. Then I laughed to myself, if I’ve had to justify this, this far, you know the right thing to do. So I went over and threw away the cold meds without caffeine. One box according to Japan is fine. More than that, they are worried you are going to start a meth lab. Then as I was rearranging my bag, I realized I threw away the one with caffeine and kept the night time one. 🤦♀️ well, I’ll sleep good for the next few nights.
So by this time, it was time to check in. I’m flying China Airlines and didn’t know anything about them. I did upgrade the flight to business class as it is a 3.5 hr flight and it does make a difference. So I get my ticket and she points me to the fast track lane of security and gives me a ticket to their business class lounge. I didn’t have any expectations for the lounge, and boy it was really nice! So China Airline’s lounge in Japan. The seats were nice, the lighting was low, the food was good, they had ginger ale ( which always makes me happy) and it was located just above the gate.
So then I board, and it’s way nicer than I thought it would be. I guess because it’s International. So we just took off, no one is sitting next to me and they are going to feed us a nice dinner.
It’s interesting
making the change from Japanese to Taiwanese (all who speak Chinese). I’m starting to notice to differences in the languages. And now I’m on the plane, and I think I’m the only Westerner on board.
I had another really good Japanese meal and then got to nap for the rest of the flight.
I ordered my 2 Coldplay tickets on a very reputable site called StubHub. They sent me tomorrow night’s ticket to my house before I left. So I have that with me. Sunday night’s ticket was sent to my hotel here in Kaohsiung.
I had planned it that was and it’s fine. So when I get to my hotel it should be waiting for me. Amex helped me touch base with the hotel’s concierge. So we will see. But at least I have tomorrow night’s in my possession. It has been a text of do the footwork and turn the results over.
So another best piece of travel advice - if you can- get a car service to pick you up when you come in late to a new country. There was a man standing at arrivals with my name on a sign. Them Then the driver takes to the car and you bypass all the insanity that is the arrivals area late in a Friday night.
I get to the hotel and it is a Taiwanese hotel, so it has a lot of Chinese influence. It’s big, ornate, big growling lion statues outside.
And when I check in, I don’t even have to say anything. He hands me the package with my Coldplay ticket inside. All that worrying. For nothing.
So I’m in my room now, I’m going to take a shower and go to bed.Read more
JapanŌsakaOsaka-shiDōtonboriNipponbashi-eki34°40’2” N 135°30’21” E November 9, 2023 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F
It seems that the head cold I still carry with me is a global one. I’m hearing lots of sniffling and coughing here in Japan as well. I brought masks with me, assuming everyone would be wearing them. The business men are. They can’t afford to get sick. I was surprised , at the concerts there were very few people wearing them. It’s nice to be in crowds of people again. But now we all have the same cold.
I had breakfast downstairs this morning. And true to form, I forgot my phone to take a picture of the amazing food. It was even better than the last hotel. I have been waking up feeling rough, and put on t—shirt , pants and birks, try to not make my hair look to rumpled and shuffle downstairs to eat. Hot miso soup is doing wonders for my throat (especially 1st thing in the am) and the food is whole, healthy and nutritious. I discover last night that one of my pillows is a buckwheat pillow. It has a firm consistency yet you can adjust it to your liking. And they have nice thick fluffy duvets on the beds. No top sheet. The beds are firmer but my body is definitely liking it.
I am really enjoying this alone time. I miss my Mom and all my animals at home, but I really feel like I’m getting recharged and am able to rest as well on this trip. Maybe the bad cold is a blessing. It is making me go to bed earlier and the 20 minute nap on the train yesterday was lovely.
So generally, Foreign visitors take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto. It’s the cultural capital and about 30 minutes from Osaka. But it’s really over touristed right now. So much so that I decided to bypass it and see Osaka. I am flying out of here tomorrow anyway. I wanted to see the Osaka castle and a museum of history near by. There is also a shopping/entertainment/food part of town called Dotonburi ; I wanted to check out and there was a Don Quixote store there too. Don Quixote is called the “Walmart of Japan”. Without the clothes. It’s supposed to be amazing and I wanted to check it out. I figured I’d start there, and work my way back to the castle.
Now it’s November, but it has been 80 degrees every day since I got here. It does cool down at night. But I literally have been wearing t-shirts and the quick dry pants I brought for Taiwan. Somebody needs to let the Japanese people know you don’t dress for the weather you wish you had, you dress for the weather you are in. I’m seeing people in sweaters, tights, jackets, wool hats, puffy vests. I really noticed it today here in Osaka.
I get it. Fall fashion is better. The stores are full of it. Japan seems very fashion conscious. Bit I’m from Fl, and I’m in a t shirt and light pants. They must be sweating their asses off. But they sure look good.
So apparently this area is best visited at night. So during the day, It just looked kinda seedy. Streets lined with bars, nightclubs and restaurants may look mysterious and cool at night, but look sad and kinda stinky in the light of day..
I found the Din Quixote and OMG. It was 6 floors and had everything. I really enjoyed taking my time and looking at everything.
But this cold is kicking my ass. And I didn’t have any fluids with me and I was starting to feel worse for the wear. I knew I needed to eat and get some fluids in me. And hot liquids would be even better.
So I finished up and started back up the street. I passed a place called Kura. It’s a conveyor belt sushi restaurant and it was on my list to do. I also knew I could get hot tea miso soup and a good meal. Which would help me to feel better.
I saw this place on a YouTube video, and the guy walks you through how to do everything.
I also have been using Google translate more and more. You just open the camera up on the app, and it translates what is on the screen. And Google Translate does very well in translating Japanese. So I was able to figure it out. That and I really wanted to sit down and eat.
I have some pictures and a video showing that experience. It was delicious and I’m probably going to go back tomorrow before I go to the airport.
After lunch, I felt better but was tired. I had also used Google Translate to get some Japanese cold medicine. I still have my own I brought, but wanted to get reinforcements. I got a couple of things, and funny enough, it is all eastern herbal medicine except the nasal spray. I made very sure I wasn’t buying a bunch of random meds then taking it all together.
So I headed home. No interest in the castle or museum. And by the time I got home at 3pm I was done for the day. I stopped off at 7-11 and got an egg salad sandwich and a gigantic bottle of water. I’m going to pack tonight and watch a movie on my iPad. I’ve started watching Studio Ghibli movies (All on Netflix) and listening to the soundtracks while I’ve been here. I’m in the middle of watching Spirited Away. The music to this movie is enchanting and is amazing to listen to on the Shinkansen looking out the window as the scenery rolls by.
I believe I have discovered a new happy place.Read more
Traveler What a wonderful update❣️ I thought maybe you would love Japan, and I am getting joy from your joy 🤩 Cookie got worn out yesterday at doggie daycare I think, because it is 8:38am and she has not come up and given me my big good morning kiss yet. Doggie kisses are a good way to wake up. We are going to walk to the park today, and I have pt this afternoon, so I will be the one dragging. Miss you, ❤️❤️❤️ you. So happy that your trip is going so well, but not surprised with your trip planning skills. ❤️👵🏻, 🐕🦺, 🐈⬛s, 🎶, 🇯🇵, 😘
JapanTokyoShinjukuMakichō35°40’9” N 139°45’49” E November 8, 2023 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F
So I remembered my phone to take a picture of my breakfast. Breakfast was livelier this morning. There were more foreigners, more Westerners. And it was louder. It’s interesting to see what they eat from the Japanese breakfast spread. They do have some toast, cornflakes and yogurt; and may eat that with fruit.
A friend asked me before I left if I was an adventurous eater, and I said No. But I guess if you put me on a graph, I would definitely be in the Adventurous category.
This head cold is still kicking my ass. I wake up in the mornings feeling yucky. But a good breakfast, miso soup, a hot shower and cold meds get me going. I have a giant unopened bag of throat lozenges, that I threw in my bag at the very last minute before I left. I had opened it to put some in a baggie and just took the whole thing. Thank goodness. Especially hooting, hollering and singing these last 2 nights with 75 thousand people.
So I checked out of the hotel, and made my way to Tokyo Station where I’m catching the Hikari 513 on the Tokaido Shinkansen.
I have never seen anything like Tokyo station. Grand Central is definitely up there, but then multiple it by 100. Between the commuters, and train is the primary way of travel here, and Tokyo Station is the Granddaddy hub in the country. WOW.
I have my JR Rail pass, which allows me to travel for 14 days. But I upgraded to the Green car and so you have to make seat reservations separately, and that is a separate ticket. So you have 2 tickets every time you board. Your base ticket/JR pass and your reserved seat ticket. I had made this reservation yesterday afternoon. There was a long line at the vending machine where you do this, and thankfully a young man ( in his 20’s) walking everyone through it. So he starts doing for me really fast, and I wanted to learn how to do it, as I had more reservations to make. So I told him, “Wait, show me how you did that!” I was definitely feeling the age gap.
So today, I left nice and early so I could make the rest of my train reservations and get my bento box for the journey. After you cross into the JR Shinkansen side of the train station ( where it gets super nutty, b/c now you are throwing everyone with their luggage in the mix) They have these amazing stores that sell all different packaged bento box lunches to take on the train with you. And every region has local specialties at their Jr station. It’s so cool!!
So the most popular bento box store is called Ekibenya and I swear (this is for you Uncle Al) it reminded me of Zabar’s in NYC on a Friday evening. But imagine all the old ladies have their luggage. So I picked out one that had a seasonal autumn menu.
So now I’m standing at the track waiting for it to arrive. Manda, there is a guy here with his wife who reminds me of Steve Bunch. He is taking the good arrival videos of the incoming trains. I need to copy him. And I managed to get a decent video of my Shinkansen as it arrived. I’ll upload it here.
So let me back track a little bit. So I got to the station early today so I could reserve my seat on the rest of my train trips. Ask I said earlier, I watched the kid do it, so I had a pretty good idea. There were lots of people in line, but I took my time once it was my turn ( there are ticket vending machines all along the wall so the line moves fast) and made such I got when and where I wanted to go.
The only one was an upgrade on the last stretch, on the last day before I head home, a really fast train, that takes about 5 hrs. Well, you can upgrade to Gran class, and I wanted to do it. A nice way to end the trip. But I wasn’t able to do it through the vending machine ( b/c you have to pay an up charge) so I had to go to the JR office. I stood in line, and when it was my turn, explained to the nice man ( who did speak some English) that I wanted to reserve a seat on this train in Gran class. He said, “Well, that’s extra”. I said I understood. So he gets out his price list and a calculator does some math, does some more and then says”No, that’s too much”. And puts it all away and kinda just looks at me. So said, Yes, I know. That’s fine”. So we look at each other for about 2 beats and he gets out his stuff again, does the math and shows me the calculator with a flourish. I’m ready with my exchange app (but have already decided to do it. I budgeted for it) I look at what it would be and say ” YES. That’s fine. “
So he finished the transaction and I leave. In the way out I’m thinking. “Did he really say, No, that’s too much” ?! As if he gets to have an opinion whether or not I do this? lol, I had a good laugh. Not what I was expecting from the JR guy, but it takes all kinds.
Anyway, so I boarded the Shinkansen and it’s really nice. Like comfy seats , no one sitting next to me, quiet, and this thing is fast! But It feels like you a literally flying. And so smooth. It is well staffed, attendants and security. I ate my bento and set my alarm for 20 minutes for a cat nap. It was neat watching the landscape change and what takes a bus overnight, we were there in 3 hrs.
I got off at Shin-Osaka ( a JR hub outside of Osaka) Wow! All the stores and food and gifts! I did something really smart , I think. I bought another bento box before I left the JR Shinkansen section of the station. I knew when I got to my hotel I’d be too tired to go anywhere.
So with dinner in hand, I made my way onto a local train to take me into Osaka. As I stepped on the train, this very nice Japanese woman started chatting with me. It kinds threw me, b/c Japanese are not chatty with strangers, especially in English. Turns out she is an English teacher at the University. She 1st asked me if I was from France. I loved that. It at least makes me hope that looking at me doesn’t scream American. I saw a lot of that from the tourists today. It was cool talking to her.
So I got to my room, ate my bento box, and it’s super early, but I’m heading to bed. ❤️Read more
JapanTokyoBunkyō-kuKōrakuTokyo Dome35°42’19” N 139°45’9” E November 7, 2023 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F
Breakfast has turned into a lovely Zen moment for the last 2 days. Miso soup, veggies, small bowls of braised pork belly, something they are calling Spinach dip, but it’s amazing dark green with stalks, seaweed, salad, rice with eel and clams (I like eel, clams, not so much). And again , as I was admiring the portioned plate, I realized I had again forgotten my phone to take a picture. Maybe that’s the universe keeping it for just me.
I have spoken very little on this trip so far. That’s easy when you can’t say more than a few words in the local language. It’s nice, I told my coworkers it was what I was looking forward to on this trip. Not having to talk unless I wanted to. That’s why I love this medium, I get to journal but get to be quiet at the same time.
I’m going to repack today, as my big bags need to be downstairs by 11 am for Yamato transport to come and pick them up and ship them to my hotel in Osaka. I’ll be leaving tomorrow and taking my 1st Shinkansen (bullet train). You can buy a bento box to take with you and eat on the train. I’m excited about that too. I have to reserve the seat on the train, so I will go to a train station and do that today too.
So funny story. I brought a couple of T-shirts I purchased on line. One of them said that it says “ColdPlay” in Japanese. I was going to wear it last night , but I wanted to make sure that it REALLY said Coldplay. I’d be horrified if I wore it and it said something in gibberish. So I tried to use google translate by taking a picture of it. And it didn’t compute. So then I looked up what Coldplay translated looked like, and it didn’t exactly match my shirt. So heck no, I’m not wearing it.
It’s been about 80 degrees here in the day. I’m also checking the weather for Taiwan and it’s hot and humid there. I bought a fan that goes around your neck to wear to the concerts. I have General admission floor tickets for both nights there. So I can move around, go pee, get something to drink. Assigned seats are ok, but last night, I felt that once you are there you don’t go anywhere. And I always seem to get a bit of vertigo in that kind of seating. Once could pitch forward pretty easily it seems.
Another hurdle for me today. I have to ship my luggage using the Japanese tried and true way instead of lugging it around with me. So I packed both suitcases up and took them down and the hotel staff were very kind and filled it out for me. As I was waiting, I was watching them. Watching them deal with their guests. All different ages, nationalities and levels of neediness. I’ve been watching all of the people I’ve come across who are dealing with the public. It’s been a good introspective excercise.
When I took down the suitcases, I also took the shirt I had questioned the translation. I asked one woman if she could translate it for me. She said it wasn’t bad, she just didn’t understand it. “What is a Radio Head?” Lol, I had gotten a shirt that said Radiohead (great band btw) in Japanese. Because that’s pretty cool. So I was glad that I worked up the courage to ask.
I had lunch in a small little restaurant. Once they brought it, I realized it was way too much food, but I was proud for doing it, and doing it scared.
The trip over to the Tokyo dome was easy and I got looking for my seat way earlier then last night. I had MUCH better seats, certainly not by choice, as I picked one that was a good price and didn’t worry about where they were.
I got to caught the entire set of the opening act, they were really good, and the crowd loved them.
This 2nd night of Coldplay was a much better show than last night. I left there last night feeling underwhelmed, and just couldn’t shake the feeling that they seemed off.
And boy, tonight certainly made up for it. They played a better set list, the crowd seemed more relaxed and responsive, and the people around me stood up the whole time. All in all making it a really good show.
So tomorrow I take off for Osaka. I have a 1pm train. And I’m really excited.Read more
Traveler I LOVE RADIOHEAD!! and...when you go to a RadioHead concert you know what to wear. Nice, really nice.
Traveler Great post, Kiddo❣️ You really did get a good seat, and that is a great picture of the band. All your furry family are great ! When I came to my house this morning it was quite chilly inside, so I turned on my firelogs 🔥 which really take the chill off quickly…me in Florida⁉️ Cookie seems more comfortable than the last time you were gone for a while. She is a hoot with her snoring, and every morning when she is ready to get up, she lays her head on me and gives me a big kiss❣️They are all so sweet and carrying on with their routines. Rest up then start again. ❤️❤️❤️your blogging!
Traveler ❤️🇺🇸🇯🇵
Traveler Welcome home sweet traveler.
Traveler 😘