6th August:
Well the trip has started and it’s off to a good start. I was actually dreading checking in as all I had was this electronic ticket, which I was sure was a scam. I’d checked it a couple of times over night to see if it was a scam, but once I got to the check in it all seemed legit. So right now I’m on my plane heading toTokyo. It’s not very full, but there are a lot of Japanese on here, go figure. Just been told that when we land inTokyowe all have to have our fingerprints taken, and your very own personal photo snapped at the entry gate. Something new to me as I’ve travelled a lot beyond here and never had to have my prints taken. I’m in seat 20k half way up the plan and next to the window, started off with a Japanese lady next to me, who quickly got up and shifted to the seats in front when she realised, I was a Maori and cannibalism was still very much part of our culture. No not true, the plane is quite empty so we can stretch out all over the place. Just had brekkie on the plane as well, and it was pretty good, some green tea, followed with a couple of OJ’s and I’m sort of ready for a moi. I’ve watched two movies already, Thor and the Avengers, and the flight plan states we are still 8 hours and 44 minutes until touch down inTokyo. I’ve my Japanese phrase book out and just going over the basics, but even the basics are a bit rough. My steward is Japanese so I did try asking for an OJ in Japanese but realised very quickly when the steward brought me an extra pillow [makura] that I probably stuffed that up. It was most probably to smother me with to stop me butchering their language. Anyways, the test will be when they bring me dinner as I’m going to tell them a joke in Japanese…..hahahaha I do love a challenge. Will talk soon. Sayonara East Coast Maori….