The morning television screen showed the route we'd traveled during our cruise.
We were now back in Yokohama where we'd started from.
We had to be out of our suite by 8:00 AM, but we could stay at the Pacific Moon restaurant to wait until our Color and Number were called. There were some refreshments offered, but when we saw all the people coughing over them, we decided not to partake.
Besides, we'd already had a gorgeous breakfast at our usual Santa Fe restaurant where we said goodbye to all our wonderful servers. We promised them that we would be sure to respond to the survey questionnaires from Princess. Dante told me that it was their road to some perks like a day off, a promotion, etc.
Soon, we were called to leave the ship and collect our luggage. A new group of passengers were already getting ready to board the ship.
The Princess shuttle took us to Narita Airport. We left the Diamond Princess around 9:20 AM and arrived at Narita around 11:30 AM. Our JAL flight to Honolulu was scheduled to leave at 8:30 in the evening. There was a LOT of time to kill.
We were really happy to learn that JAL would accept our luggage even though our flight was 9 hours later. They offered a chair for mom while we checked in and then loaned us a wheelchair to use for the rest of the day.
It wasn't that painful a stay at the airport. There were a lot of shops to explore. Mom got to watch the news and other variety shows.
We were surprised that other passengers didn't arrive at the gate until about a half hour to take off. We were given priority and were the first to board the plane.
Although the flight going to Japan was a lengthy 8 hours 20 minutes long, the strong tailwinds enable our flight back to Hawaii to be just 6 hours 25 minutes.
Our luggage arrived safely. We were happy, but tired.
The next day, mom's coughing got worse and we headed to the hospital.
A week of exhaustion for the three of us followed. After about a week and a half, mom was getting better.
Art was fine.
I was drained.
And mom? She's happily looking at photos I printed for her so she could remember the journey, her family, the cherry blossoms, the fun.
We were now back in Yokohama where we'd started from.
We had to be out of our suite by 8:00 AM, but we could stay at the Pacific Moon restaurant to wait until our Color and Number were called. There were some refreshments offered, but when we saw all the people coughing over them, we decided not to partake.
Besides, we'd already had a gorgeous breakfast at our usual Santa Fe restaurant where we said goodbye to all our wonderful servers. We promised them that we would be sure to respond to the survey questionnaires from Princess. Dante told me that it was their road to some perks like a day off, a promotion, etc.
Soon, we were called to leave the ship and collect our luggage. A new group of passengers were already getting ready to board the ship.
The Princess shuttle took us to Narita Airport. We left the Diamond Princess around 9:20 AM and arrived at Narita around 11:30 AM. Our JAL flight to Honolulu was scheduled to leave at 8:30 in the evening. There was a LOT of time to kill.
We were really happy to learn that JAL would accept our luggage even though our flight was 9 hours later. They offered a chair for mom while we checked in and then loaned us a wheelchair to use for the rest of the day.
It wasn't that painful a stay at the airport. There were a lot of shops to explore. Mom got to watch the news and other variety shows.
We were surprised that other passengers didn't arrive at the gate until about a half hour to take off. We were given priority and were the first to board the plane.
Although the flight going to Japan was a lengthy 8 hours 20 minutes long, the strong tailwinds enable our flight back to Hawaii to be just 6 hours 25 minutes.
Our luggage arrived safely. We were happy, but tired.
The next day, mom's coughing got worse and we headed to the hospital.
A week of exhaustion for the three of us followed. After about a week and a half, mom was getting better.
Art was fine.
I was drained.
And mom? She's happily looking at photos I printed for her so she could remember the journey, her family, the cherry blossoms, the fun.
That was quite a trip for your mom. Glad she recovered from it easily. Where are you off to next?
ReplyDeleteAn epic adventure for you all. A cruise might be the best way to see all of Japan.
ReplyDeleteI was really getting worried about your Mom and what she may have contracted. Am so happy she is getting better. What a fabulous trip you all got to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteYou and your family are amazing travelers.
ReplyDeleteYou did it! You gave your mom that last trip to remember, and the chance to be with her family. It is exhausting to always have to think of the comfort and pleasure of someone else as well as taking care of yourself while traveling. But now recovery is complete, and you and Art should feel a sense of pride and satisfaction in what you gave of yourselves.
ReplyDeleteOh my! So happy your mother recovered quickly after being hospitalized - that was quite the amazing trip though!
ReplyDeleteGreat memories. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI pray that you are all happy and healthy. Thank you for sharing this amazing trip with us. A week from Friday we are flying home to Honolulu. And ours nervous as cats as you can imagine with all the details including selling this house! I don't think I will ever leave the islands again, although we do fantasize about visiting the elephants in Thailand. But that would not be for years. I need to sit still! Aloha to all of you
ReplyDeleteYou gave your mom such a wonderful trip. I thank you too. I'm sorry you are drained...and maybe still drained. You look great throughout the trip....no one would know how tired you are. My mother saw Japan the same way you did...on a Princess ship. She loved it . Thanks so much for taking us along.
ReplyDeleteGlad she didn't get worse until the very end of the trip. Good for you to tromp to the ER to minimize her coughing. (Remember to take probiotics opposite the times you take antibiotics to prevent the eventual gas and diarrhea.) You and Art are AMAZING personal tour guides! Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteIt really is great that her cold turned for the worse AFTER we got home. It actually ended up taking a whole month until she was back to normal. The doctor did not prescribe antibiotics because he said he was pretty sure it was a virus that just needed to run its course. We actually ended up serving her meals in her side of the house to prevent the germs from spreading. I was telling Art she was getting a little spoiled because we were making such elaborate meals for her to entice her appetite which had diminished when she got so sick. Her coughing went up and down. Just when we thought she was done, it would come back. But as of Mother's Day, we could pronounce her totally back to normal. Such a relief!
DeleteSuch a nice trip! Glad Mom is better now.
ReplyDeleteglad you are safely back. what a trip-no wonder you are exhausted...
ReplyDeleteThat was a truly exceptional trip, and I enjoyed every bit of it, glad that I got to enjoy it from the comfort of my laptop. And I'm so glad that Mom is finally better. :-)
ReplyDeleteNot a bad flight time
ReplyDeleteWheel chairs get first class treatment as they should.
ReplyDeleteIt was quiye an ambitious trip, but I think everyone is happy they did it.
ReplyDelete