Took a taxi (transportation type 1) to the Kyoto train station, where we were pretty much like your average run-of-the-mill contestants on "Amazing Race." We had to use our wiles to figure out where to buy a ticket and find the train. The tricky part was that there were two train stations in Kyoto, and two airports in Osaka, with both express trains and locals to choose from. After asking several people, we were able to figure it out and it all went smoothly once on board.
Some pictures of the countryside of southwestern Japan:
And an interesting building in Osaka:
The railcar (type 2) was nearly empty so we were able to spread out a little bit. The 75 minute ride dropped us right at the airport and we went through to our gate easily, following a short shuttle bus ride (type 3). Business class on the All Nippon Air flight was also not filled up, making the plane ride (type 4) a piece o'cake. We noticed that going through customs in Shanghai was a lot more aggressive than in Tokyo. People pushed ahead and jostled one another to get advantage, making me miss the gentle Japanese a bit.
We were greeted by a bellhop (literally dressed in his monkey suit) at baggage claim, who quickly moved us to an awaiting car (type 5) for the drive to downtown Shanghai. And, if China is considered communist still, you wouldn't be able to tell it by the looks of the suite I have. We're not exactly sure how we qualified for this situation, but we're enjoying it.
The check-in was a trip in and of itself. They whisked us to the 38th floor, which is known as the "Executive Lounge." There, we were shown to some comfortable chairs, given a beer, while they did the check in thing. Another set of bellhops stood waiting and guarding our suitcases all the while. Then they took us to our rooms:
The suite also has two bathrooms, a flat screen TV in the bedroom and a regular one in the living room. I even have my own fax machine if anyone needs to contact me.
Right now I'm really tired and work starts early tomorrow, so I'll leave you for now. Pleasant dreams, people!
And for HorshamScouse...I'm working on that World Financial Center thing. I'll let you know how that one goes as the week progresses.
4 comments:
Looks like you've got quite a view out of your hotel window, too. Can't wait to hear more, especially about the food. Enjoy!
Fantastic photos, Becks! I'm just catching up now as I was away for the past week. Japan and China have always appealed to me - I'm looking forward to more of your travelogue! Cheers!
Becks, look at you living the high life in China!
Thanks for posting new stuff every day.
Are you going to be satisfied with your surroundings when you get home, I don't think there will be anyone to wait on you hand and foot, unless you think Bobbers will???
I know you're probably worn out, but thanks for the updates, makes me happy to hear from you each day.
Enjoy the rest of the week, only a few more days and you'll be home. Love ya.
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