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- Jun 27, 2007
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The morning started early in Canberra at 4.00am waking up and preparing for my first overseas trip in 14 years! It was Tuesday morning on 29 January and we’d had a few hot days so the coolness of the morning was welcome. Called the taxi at 5.00am and a few minutes later was on the way to CBR AP the scene of many, many early morning departures but this one was different, I was on leave and travelling for pleasure.
Went to check in and there was already a large crowd there. The joys of checking in at the business class line are never more welcome than mornings like this. The day after a public holiday are never really good to travel but here I was.
As is usual on the first plane out of CBR it was packed, was allocated 17D, at least it was an aisle on the short trip to MEL QF795 departing at 0640. Have done it way too many times. Asked the GA for the exit row aisle for my connecting flight QF179 to NRT, he tried but unable to do so, however he did suggest I try at the MEL pub. Bag checked through all the way. Through security very easily, timing my walk away from the belt until the explosive sniffer had someone else to practise his craft on.
Up to the CBR pub and greeted the lady at the desk and asked if it would be possible to get my seat changed on QF179 to either 45B or 45J. She said I should leave it with her and get my boarding passes from her on the way out.
Went and had my usual breakfast here, fruit and hot chocolate. I cannot enter this place without meeting someone I know and of course today was no exception. The first person I met proudly proclaimed she was on leave and heading to BNE for a week and asked about my trip. Oh, Japan for 24 days I mentioned ever so casually. That was the end of that conversation.
Anyway passed a leisurely hour or so having a nice breakfast and reading the magazines with the newspapers not yet having arrived. Finally the time has come and the flight to MEL is called, as I walk near the front desk I am motioned over and with a big smile on her face the lady advises me that she was able to secure 45J for me. Things are looking good, thanked her profusely and did the flying bus trip to MEL. Didn’t eat the breakfast, can’t remember what cereal it was but the milk was nice and cold. Plane was 100% full.
Arrive at MEL and there was a copy of The Age still available for disembarking pax, well I was disembarking just not at that gate, but I still took it.
The joys of MEL AP are many, the ability to have a short walk and transfer to the international terminal undercover are just one of them. It certainly aided my decision to fly CBR-MEL-NRT rather than via SYD, that and the fact that when I purchased the ticket in August it was slightly cheaper to travel via MEL as well as getting more FF points, 325 more each way to be exact.
So I enter the international terminal and make my through Immigration and security without a blimp on the screen, my little bag with 3 liquid items was barely looked and then run the gauntlet of duty free shops Don’t need them I already have my new Canon 70-300mm IS lens thank you very much.
Oh bloody hell I needed to go to Customs and the tourist refund scheme (TRS). Have no idea where it is and seeing two friendly Federal police I ask them. They tell me that I’ve already passed it and need to go out the security exit and point out the guard I need to speak to. Quite friendly and efficient, no blame or carry on, just the facts.
The guard listens to my tale of getting lost and after ascertaining that I haven’t purchased anything duty free nor have I purchased/obtained any liquids (which would have to be forfeited) opened the gate and pointed me in the right direction, just near the security screening. Again a very friendly person and after sighting the lens and receipt, processed the refund. I returned through the security screening, this time my carry on luggage, a backpack got two goes through the machine but no comments. Just as I get through the Customs lady from TRS called to me and handed me my paperwork, I had left it in the counter and she chased me down to give it to me.
So down to the international pub where I welcomed and started eating again. It was virtually empty, about 15-20 people. Ate some more fruit and a couple of cans of lemonade, my last for a long time. Some hot pastry was served and a couple of these helped fill a gap. Remember I have been up since 0400 and it was now approaching 0900, hunger was kicking in and there was a long days flying still to come.
Had a 1010 departure and once the flight started flashing on the screen I headed off to the plane. A slight delay in boarding, about 10 minutes but I was still one of the first whY pax to board, having your passport and boarding pass ready helps. Greeted with a smile as I boarded and casting an envious eye on the business class seats I walked to my coveted exit row aisle seat 45J. The advantage of being one of the first on board is that you get to put your luggage above you.
There is a little luggage locker right above my seat and I claimed it. My backpack fits perfectly in there, this is my locker on this trip. I shut the door. A couple of other pax open it to try and put their bag there but upon seeing it full close it and move on. Eventually my seatmate arrives, this could be awkward, two big (183cm+, >100kg) blokes but turned out really well. He ended up having to put his bags about 3 rows back.
The plane was refuelling and we were told not to put our seatbelts on, too late have already done it. We sat there for about 30 minutes and ended up leaving about 35 minutes late. Still I had room to stretch the legs and did so with relish. Not long after take off and just after the seat belt sign went off an FA came over and greeted me by name and asked if there was anything I needed. Just me, so I asked for and received a hot chocolate, it was delivered a couple of minutes later. Maybe SG status does get a greeting if there aren’t many/any WPs on board. Still, a very nice way to start the flight.
AVOD worked perfectly and I viewed a couple of documentaries including one on identity theft. Definitely something to be careful of and take appropriate precautions. By the time they got to us for the first meal there was only fish left. On a scale of 1-10 I’m about a 2 for fish. Still I picked at it and was glad I had already eaten a couple of breakfasts. Got some sleep and then some more AVOD viewing, soon it was time for the next meal.
This time they started the meal service from row 45 and I got my first choice, but cannot remember what it was, sorry no photos. Ian the FA sitting in the jump seat opposite me was a great bloke and very easy to talk to, especially when taxiing into NRT. This took about 10 minutes. Purchased some duty free chocolate for my friend during the flight. This would be our first meeting after nine years. Unique Australian flavours such as quandong which went down very well.
Got off the plane very quickly and walked a long way in the terminal before boarding the train to immigration and customs. Immigration was very quick with personnel ensuring that everyone went to the right lines. Again a very quick process with a correctly filled out form, two quick fingerprints which I vehemently disagree with, but no choice in the matter, as for the photo, well if your camera can survive taking my photo well you can have it.
Through to the baggage carousel and after waiting for a couple of minutes at the wrong one, went to the correct carousel and stopped my case from going around for another circuit. Those business tags must’ve worked because there were a lot of people waiting and not looking at me in a friendly way. Another short wait at Customs, was asked if this was my luggage, a quick ‘yes sir’ and I was officially in Japan.
Went to the front desk to ask where to catch the bus to the Holiday Inn, shown a map, pointed in the right direction and told it was due at 1950. Too easy, naturally I took a wrong turn somewhere and ended up at the wrong bus stop but was able to figure it out fairly easily and got to the correct stop. A note here, I can get geographically embarrassed anywhere, I have gotten lost in many, many places in AUS. Getting lost in Japan was not a challenge.
It was 3 degrees, lovely weather, especially if you hate hot weather with a passion as I do. The bus arrived on time and after warning the driver that my case was heavy (about 23kilos) was on my way. The bus trip, whilst quick was very circuitous compared to the return trip next morning. Upon arrival we were urged to enter the hotel and told our cases would be taken in for us. All six check in desks were staffed ready for arriving guests. Again a very quick check in with my printed reservation details in my hand, a photocopy of my passport and I was handed my door card. This was preceded by an almost apologetic request from the desk lady and her pointing to a sign that it was Japanese law and could she please photocopy my passport.
I went to get my case and was asked for my room number so that it could be delivered to my room. A couple of minutes later it was there, no hanging around for a tip, just delivered and have a good evening sir and good night.
The room itself was what I expected when I booked, basic with a bed and a bath, nice and big which I indulged in before retiring for the evening. Had breakfast next morning ¥1500 and then caught the bus back to NRT to get the train into Tokyo. Had to show my passport at a police stop when getting near the airport.
Geez why are people so dumb? The driver asked us to have our passport ready so everyone except one person did. The police officer treated it as a perfunctory job she had to do, but of course there is always one person who didn’t have her passport ready and it took a fair bit of explaining by the police officer that she needed to see it. Again done efficiently and quietly, I was sitting on the opposite row and got to see this New Zealand woman either acting dumb or really being dumb.
Took the Keisei express to Ueno and then a subway to Ginza. The Japanese know how to run a train system, the whole Australian system could do worse than to import their expertise.
Anyway, next up my time in Tokyo and then flying from Haneda to Sapporo.
Went to check in and there was already a large crowd there. The joys of checking in at the business class line are never more welcome than mornings like this. The day after a public holiday are never really good to travel but here I was.
As is usual on the first plane out of CBR it was packed, was allocated 17D, at least it was an aisle on the short trip to MEL QF795 departing at 0640. Have done it way too many times. Asked the GA for the exit row aisle for my connecting flight QF179 to NRT, he tried but unable to do so, however he did suggest I try at the MEL pub. Bag checked through all the way. Through security very easily, timing my walk away from the belt until the explosive sniffer had someone else to practise his craft on.
Up to the CBR pub and greeted the lady at the desk and asked if it would be possible to get my seat changed on QF179 to either 45B or 45J. She said I should leave it with her and get my boarding passes from her on the way out.
Went and had my usual breakfast here, fruit and hot chocolate. I cannot enter this place without meeting someone I know and of course today was no exception. The first person I met proudly proclaimed she was on leave and heading to BNE for a week and asked about my trip. Oh, Japan for 24 days I mentioned ever so casually. That was the end of that conversation.
Anyway passed a leisurely hour or so having a nice breakfast and reading the magazines with the newspapers not yet having arrived. Finally the time has come and the flight to MEL is called, as I walk near the front desk I am motioned over and with a big smile on her face the lady advises me that she was able to secure 45J for me. Things are looking good, thanked her profusely and did the flying bus trip to MEL. Didn’t eat the breakfast, can’t remember what cereal it was but the milk was nice and cold. Plane was 100% full.
Arrive at MEL and there was a copy of The Age still available for disembarking pax, well I was disembarking just not at that gate, but I still took it.
The joys of MEL AP are many, the ability to have a short walk and transfer to the international terminal undercover are just one of them. It certainly aided my decision to fly CBR-MEL-NRT rather than via SYD, that and the fact that when I purchased the ticket in August it was slightly cheaper to travel via MEL as well as getting more FF points, 325 more each way to be exact.
So I enter the international terminal and make my through Immigration and security without a blimp on the screen, my little bag with 3 liquid items was barely looked and then run the gauntlet of duty free shops Don’t need them I already have my new Canon 70-300mm IS lens thank you very much.
Oh bloody hell I needed to go to Customs and the tourist refund scheme (TRS). Have no idea where it is and seeing two friendly Federal police I ask them. They tell me that I’ve already passed it and need to go out the security exit and point out the guard I need to speak to. Quite friendly and efficient, no blame or carry on, just the facts.
The guard listens to my tale of getting lost and after ascertaining that I haven’t purchased anything duty free nor have I purchased/obtained any liquids (which would have to be forfeited) opened the gate and pointed me in the right direction, just near the security screening. Again a very friendly person and after sighting the lens and receipt, processed the refund. I returned through the security screening, this time my carry on luggage, a backpack got two goes through the machine but no comments. Just as I get through the Customs lady from TRS called to me and handed me my paperwork, I had left it in the counter and she chased me down to give it to me.
So down to the international pub where I welcomed and started eating again. It was virtually empty, about 15-20 people. Ate some more fruit and a couple of cans of lemonade, my last for a long time. Some hot pastry was served and a couple of these helped fill a gap. Remember I have been up since 0400 and it was now approaching 0900, hunger was kicking in and there was a long days flying still to come.
Had a 1010 departure and once the flight started flashing on the screen I headed off to the plane. A slight delay in boarding, about 10 minutes but I was still one of the first whY pax to board, having your passport and boarding pass ready helps. Greeted with a smile as I boarded and casting an envious eye on the business class seats I walked to my coveted exit row aisle seat 45J. The advantage of being one of the first on board is that you get to put your luggage above you.
There is a little luggage locker right above my seat and I claimed it. My backpack fits perfectly in there, this is my locker on this trip. I shut the door. A couple of other pax open it to try and put their bag there but upon seeing it full close it and move on. Eventually my seatmate arrives, this could be awkward, two big (183cm+, >100kg) blokes but turned out really well. He ended up having to put his bags about 3 rows back.
The plane was refuelling and we were told not to put our seatbelts on, too late have already done it. We sat there for about 30 minutes and ended up leaving about 35 minutes late. Still I had room to stretch the legs and did so with relish. Not long after take off and just after the seat belt sign went off an FA came over and greeted me by name and asked if there was anything I needed. Just me, so I asked for and received a hot chocolate, it was delivered a couple of minutes later. Maybe SG status does get a greeting if there aren’t many/any WPs on board. Still, a very nice way to start the flight.
AVOD worked perfectly and I viewed a couple of documentaries including one on identity theft. Definitely something to be careful of and take appropriate precautions. By the time they got to us for the first meal there was only fish left. On a scale of 1-10 I’m about a 2 for fish. Still I picked at it and was glad I had already eaten a couple of breakfasts. Got some sleep and then some more AVOD viewing, soon it was time for the next meal.
This time they started the meal service from row 45 and I got my first choice, but cannot remember what it was, sorry no photos. Ian the FA sitting in the jump seat opposite me was a great bloke and very easy to talk to, especially when taxiing into NRT. This took about 10 minutes. Purchased some duty free chocolate for my friend during the flight. This would be our first meeting after nine years. Unique Australian flavours such as quandong which went down very well.
Got off the plane very quickly and walked a long way in the terminal before boarding the train to immigration and customs. Immigration was very quick with personnel ensuring that everyone went to the right lines. Again a very quick process with a correctly filled out form, two quick fingerprints which I vehemently disagree with, but no choice in the matter, as for the photo, well if your camera can survive taking my photo well you can have it.
Through to the baggage carousel and after waiting for a couple of minutes at the wrong one, went to the correct carousel and stopped my case from going around for another circuit. Those business tags must’ve worked because there were a lot of people waiting and not looking at me in a friendly way. Another short wait at Customs, was asked if this was my luggage, a quick ‘yes sir’ and I was officially in Japan.
Went to the front desk to ask where to catch the bus to the Holiday Inn, shown a map, pointed in the right direction and told it was due at 1950. Too easy, naturally I took a wrong turn somewhere and ended up at the wrong bus stop but was able to figure it out fairly easily and got to the correct stop. A note here, I can get geographically embarrassed anywhere, I have gotten lost in many, many places in AUS. Getting lost in Japan was not a challenge.
It was 3 degrees, lovely weather, especially if you hate hot weather with a passion as I do. The bus arrived on time and after warning the driver that my case was heavy (about 23kilos) was on my way. The bus trip, whilst quick was very circuitous compared to the return trip next morning. Upon arrival we were urged to enter the hotel and told our cases would be taken in for us. All six check in desks were staffed ready for arriving guests. Again a very quick check in with my printed reservation details in my hand, a photocopy of my passport and I was handed my door card. This was preceded by an almost apologetic request from the desk lady and her pointing to a sign that it was Japanese law and could she please photocopy my passport.
I went to get my case and was asked for my room number so that it could be delivered to my room. A couple of minutes later it was there, no hanging around for a tip, just delivered and have a good evening sir and good night.
The room itself was what I expected when I booked, basic with a bed and a bath, nice and big which I indulged in before retiring for the evening. Had breakfast next morning ¥1500 and then caught the bus back to NRT to get the train into Tokyo. Had to show my passport at a police stop when getting near the airport.
Geez why are people so dumb? The driver asked us to have our passport ready so everyone except one person did. The police officer treated it as a perfunctory job she had to do, but of course there is always one person who didn’t have her passport ready and it took a fair bit of explaining by the police officer that she needed to see it. Again done efficiently and quietly, I was sitting on the opposite row and got to see this New Zealand woman either acting dumb or really being dumb.
Took the Keisei express to Ueno and then a subway to Ginza. The Japanese know how to run a train system, the whole Australian system could do worse than to import their expertise.
Anyway, next up my time in Tokyo and then flying from Haneda to Sapporo.
