Going to Japan: Part 1

We left for the airport at about 3.30pm, in our smaller car, since the other one decided to break down a few days ago. Got there with no trouble and found a few of my fellow students already there. We eventually decided to check-in, but the stupid check-in woman failed to seat us all together, even though she said she would. In the end, it was probably for the best as it turned out that I was sitting on my own, so I could attempt to lie down to sleep. However I only had two seats as I was at the back of the Boeing B747-400, which made it difficult.

I was slightly dissapointed with the Economy tickets that we received, though the price can probably be explained by the fact that they are an open return bought only about one week ago.

I am now over 6000 miles away (the first flight was 5929 miles, according to the navigation screen), this puts me decidedly outside the range of my little radio controlled alarm clock, which I have had to sert manually for the first time ever.

We took off at 19.25, half an hour late, from Heathrow gate 23 (for those of you who care about these things).

On board we were given hot towels to wash our hands and faces, as is the Japanese custom. Drinks (apple juice) were then served with otsumami (nuts & crackers), though I didn't like them. I then watched "xXx: The Next Level".

Then food came round. The beef was running out so had I the chicken (cos I'm nice like that). Turns out that the beef was the Japanese-style meal, whereas I had the western-style one. This constisted of:

• Chilli Pork Fillet, Chiken Liver & Ham Parfait, Potato Salad, an olive, and a cherry tomato.
• Salmon Rolls with Juniper Berries and a lemon.
• Two chicken medallions, with tagliatelle, and over boiled mini-podded-peas, red and yellow peppers, and a bread roll.
• Bonoffee Mousse.

To drink, I had some ocha (green tea), and then some English tea. The whole thing was served with choice of knife and fork or chopsticks. I stole the chopsticks and a tiny toothpick...

After dinner we were given a free bottle of Evian water. I then tried to get some sleep.