Day 288, from Tokyo, Japan to Hong Kong, China
Sometimes even getting to the airport can be complicated. This complication had everything to do with our international flight leaving at 8:30 am, and us needing to be at the airport in time to accommodate for any unforseen twists. But very few trains run during the night in Tokyo, something which surprised us a little. There were many shuttle buses leaving from Tokyo station, but the trains to get us to that station only left at 4:30. The JR stop was at least twenty minutes walk away, since the closer lines aren’t up and running at that hour. That’s fine, we had decided to walk even though we had shipped our winter coats home the day before.
When we woke up at 3:30 to get out the door at 4, none of us were looking forward to the cold walk to the station. As we groggily headed out the front of the apartment, there was a VW pop-up camper on the road, an odd thing to see in Tokyo. It was very modern, and it was running with someone in the front seat. I thought to myself, what I wouldn’t give for one of those right now. I was determined to get the cold walk over with, so hardly noticed that the man had jumped out of the car and was frantically trying to get my attention. He said that our host had sent him to shuttle us to the Tokyo station as a gift. He kept saying, you are Paul, right? At that moment in time I would have signed up to be an Airbnb spokesperson for life, I was so grateful. How incredibly thoughtful of our host to send someone to pick us up! When you haven’t had your own wheels in so long, and you’re a little cold and tired, even a trip to the train station seems like a major miracle.
Once at the bus stop, we were early. Our friend popped the camper lid up, and we were sitting there parked on the street having coffee in there all warm and toasty like kings. We talked about golfing, his kids, he was a great conversationalist. It was one of those unique traveling moments I’ll never forget. We caught the shuttle bus to Narita airport, and it took us less than an hour on streets that weren’t packed just yet.
There were almost no lines, it was bizarre. We were behind five people to check in and drop off our bags, and there was no line for security or immigration. Checking in was a breeze. Narita gets our vote for the comfiest gate furniture.
The five hour flight on Jet Star went by quickly. We paid extra for the exit row, and had noodles for breakfast. Cali also had a Cup Noodles a little later on. We do like how all the Asian airlines seem to offer ramen whenever you’re hungry.
Hong Kong has been an independent territory of the People’s Republic of China since 1997. It has a unique history. You often see surprising British influences, like the “Mind the Gap” recordings in the subway, and the availability of salt and vinegar chips on the shelves.
We took an express train into the city, since the airport is about an hour away. We were surprised how mountainous it was on one side, and the water was on the other. We went through a long tunnel, and when we came out, we were surrounded by a forest of skyscraper apartments. The landscape was gone and crowded living was here. I love traveling by trains, I wish we had more of them at home.
Our Airbnb host met us at the train station by the apartment, which was a very good thing. There is no possible way we would have ever, ever found this apartment. After we were given the tour and tips to the apartment, the girls passed out and slept for hours.
With over 7 million inhabitants it’s one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Many of the apartment buildings are extremely narrow, which you hope physics will continue to allow. We are on the top floor of a 24 story building, and it’s the width of our small apartment. Paul went out in the evening to check things out, and said it is absolutely crazy out there, with loads of people–an interesting statement on the heels of living in Tokyo.
In our building the people leave all of their shoes in the hall, outside their apartment. If we did that with all our shoes it would look a little crazy.
In the streets there are signs for the businesses that occupy the first couple of floors of most apartment buildings in this area.
This is the closest mall.
Looks like we will have plenty to do.