The Final Test, getting myself to the airport
My flight this morning left Narita Airport at 10:55 am. To make sure I was there early enough I wanted to get to the airport at about 8:00 am. To make sure I had enough time to get to the airport meant I needed to wake up at 5:00 am and catch the 5:30 am train to Gotanda. I then took the train to Tokyo station and went all the way down stairs wherer I was able to catch the 6:30 am express train to the Airport. The whole trip from hostel to the airport was about 2 hours. I am really glad that I didn't have a problem on the trains. I am also glad they were not packed because I was carrying about 60 pounds of luggage with me. It was not too heavy, but it was a little cumbersome.
Once at the airport I was able to talk to the information desk and ask them where I needed to check in. The place was right next to where I was, but I did not realize because this airport worked differently than the other airports I have been to thus far. Rather than each airline having it's own counter there is a large plaza area with 10 or 15 check in counters that are fenced in. At any given time only certain airlines are checking in baggage at each check in center. Their is a big sign above each of them that display which airline is currently being serviced.
Since I was a little early I had to wait about 45 minutes before I could check in. So to waste some time and spend the rest of my yen I did three things. First I called Jesse to let him know that I made it to the airport alright. Next I went to starbucks to enjoy one last Matcha Cream Frappucino and one last curry doughnut. After I was done eating I hopped onto a computer that had access to the internet to send some emails. I told people I was fine and that I had fun in Japan and that I was heading to China and I probably would not have good internet access for a while.
Soon afterwards I went to my gate and waited for my bus. This was another difference from other airports I had been too. Rather than boarding the plane right at the gate, at this terminal we had to board a bus which took us to the plane. We got off the bus and then got on the plane.
Right now I still on the flight and I taking little naps and trying to finish 'The Fellowship of the Ring'. It is pretty good once you get into it. After I finish this I am going to start the next Harry Potter book. It will be my little escape from Beijing if I need one.
Once at the airport I was able to talk to the information desk and ask them where I needed to check in. The place was right next to where I was, but I did not realize because this airport worked differently than the other airports I have been to thus far. Rather than each airline having it's own counter there is a large plaza area with 10 or 15 check in counters that are fenced in. At any given time only certain airlines are checking in baggage at each check in center. Their is a big sign above each of them that display which airline is currently being serviced.
Since I was a little early I had to wait about 45 minutes before I could check in. So to waste some time and spend the rest of my yen I did three things. First I called Jesse to let him know that I made it to the airport alright. Next I went to starbucks to enjoy one last Matcha Cream Frappucino and one last curry doughnut. After I was done eating I hopped onto a computer that had access to the internet to send some emails. I told people I was fine and that I had fun in Japan and that I was heading to China and I probably would not have good internet access for a while.
Soon afterwards I went to my gate and waited for my bus. This was another difference from other airports I had been too. Rather than boarding the plane right at the gate, at this terminal we had to board a bus which took us to the plane. We got off the bus and then got on the plane.
Right now I still on the flight and I taking little naps and trying to finish 'The Fellowship of the Ring'. It is pretty good once you get into it. After I finish this I am going to start the next Harry Potter book. It will be my little escape from Beijing if I need one.
posted by Jon Keto at
2:53 PM
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