Our 9-Day, Air and Sea Travel, Yummy, Yummy Lavender Hokkaido Tour began on June 21st, Saturday. We'd decided on a tour to Japan this time thinking if would be easier for mom to travel with a tour company.
We were almost late for the 1:00 PM Hawaiian Airlines flight. It was a good thing they asked us to get to the airport by 10:30 AM.
Art's classmate, Morris drove us to the airport and there was an accident that snarled traffic for several tense minutes. Poor Morris was stressed out for us, but we got there in time.
Mom got to happily watch two Japanese movies. Walter Mitty was the only English movie and I'd already seen it so I read my Paper White.
Flight time was 7 hours 20 minutes.
There was a 1 hour layover in Sendai before we continued on to Chitose Airport in Hokkaido which took another hour.
With the time change, it was now June 22nd, Sunday in Hokkaido.
We were met by this cartoon cat called Doraemon which is from an anime series.
Since we're not familiar with manga or anime, it was just a cute cat to us.
Michael was our capable, affable tour guide from Hawaii.
We were met at Chitose by Lilin (tour coordinator) and Chika (Hokkaido tour guide).
Forty more minutes and we were at the Grand Hotel, New Oji in Tomokomai.
I don't think I've quite seen a bathroom like this in Japan before. It took a moment to figure it out. You're supposed to wash yourself outside of the tub and then soak in the clean tub water. This is how we used to take a bath when I was little.
However, we didn't need to soak. We just washed up and went to bed. Two days of the 9-Day tour were over. I kept my fingers crossed that I wouldn't wake up at 3:00. I didn't. I got up at 2:00!
We were almost late for the 1:00 PM Hawaiian Airlines flight. It was a good thing they asked us to get to the airport by 10:30 AM.
Art's classmate, Morris drove us to the airport and there was an accident that snarled traffic for several tense minutes. Poor Morris was stressed out for us, but we got there in time.
Mom got to happily watch two Japanese movies. Walter Mitty was the only English movie and I'd already seen it so I read my Paper White.
Flight time was 7 hours 20 minutes.
There was a 1 hour layover in Sendai before we continued on to Chitose Airport in Hokkaido which took another hour.
With the time change, it was now June 22nd, Sunday in Hokkaido.
We were met by this cartoon cat called Doraemon which is from an anime series.
Since we're not familiar with manga or anime, it was just a cute cat to us.
Michael was our capable, affable tour guide from Hawaii.
We were met at Chitose by Lilin (tour coordinator) and Chika (Hokkaido tour guide).
Forty more minutes and we were at the Grand Hotel, New Oji in Tomokomai.
I don't think I've quite seen a bathroom like this in Japan before. It took a moment to figure it out. You're supposed to wash yourself outside of the tub and then soak in the clean tub water. This is how we used to take a bath when I was little.
However, we didn't need to soak. We just washed up and went to bed. Two days of the 9-Day tour were over. I kept my fingers crossed that I wouldn't wake up at 3:00. I didn't. I got up at 2:00!
Glad you made your flight! And that is a very different looking, although fine, hotel room all right. I've never been to Japan, so here I go. :-)
ReplyDeleteInteresting bathroom idea. Looking forward to hearing more!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you weren't late for your flight. You have started with great pics and descriptions....looking forward to what is to come.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you made your flight!! Interesting bathroom it is! Looking forward to your next installment!!
ReplyDeletei can't wait to follow this trip!
ReplyDeleteOi, nothing like a traffic snarl on the way to the airport. So glad you made it on time.
ReplyDeleteYou guys must have more flying hours than many birds do.
I have long preferred to shower because sitting in a tub of dirty water doesn't have much appeal. I never thought to shower first and then soak.
ReplyDeleteI've seen the cat somewhere before but even I don't know who Doraemon is
ReplyDeleteThat's a great way to wash, makes all the sense in the world.
ReplyDeleteIt's always interesting to find something new. It's a good thing you remembered about the bath from the time you were little.
ReplyDeleteHow I love to read your blog to discover the differences in our cultures, and now you have added something new again. I do think it's not a bad idea to soak after bathing, rather than sitting in your own dirt! Enjoying your trip.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a tub person so I would have just needed the shower head, but I would have been confused by this bathroom!
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to be traveling with you again, especially knowing you are actually safe and sound at home.
jet lag is never easy...
ReplyDeletefirst time see bathroom like this. Good idea too. as when we soak in the tub we tend to want to feel relax.
ReplyDeleteGood Start!
ReplyDeleteALOHA from Honolulu
ComfortSpiral
=^..^= . <3 . >< } } (°>
Blessings and welcome back.
ReplyDeleteWell it makes sense, one should shower before they take a bath.
The bathroom design is interesting but it works properly.
ReplyDeleteWow, two days to get there, shower, and get up way too early.
ReplyDeleteREading on.
What an adventure; bet Mom is enjoying the language around her. DrumMajor
ReplyDeleteI would be super stressed on the way to the airport, just like your friend. Fortunately, all of you reached there in time for the flight. Nice hotel room. Did all 3 of you share a room with an extra bed put in?
ReplyDelete