Well fed by Virgin Airlines!

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Could the taxi man not take a hint and be quiet? A two hour trip to heathrow was dominated by the incessant talk of our taxi man when all we wanted was peace and quiet, and of course sleep too, but he had verbal diarrhoea. It was a relief to arrive, check in and head to duty free where perfume assaults the nasal passages! I often wonder how people can work in a perfume department all day long.

After a Pret sandwich, buying a few last minute things, it was time to board the plane. Now I haven't flown with Virgin for about 18 years and I have to say their service was remarkable. The flight crew were all Japanese and very gracious, they were young too, not like the oldies (but goodies) on US Airways! Huge selection of movies to entertain if you can't sleep and the passengers were all quiet and well mannered.

Then came the food! And it kept coming! First was lunch, followed 20 minuets later with drinks and a gü dessert, midnight snack pastry, wee hours ice cream and then a full english breakfast!

Rolled off the plane when arrived in Tokyo to find our way through immigration and out to the train kiosk where a lovely gentleman helped us with our tickets. The train ride took 90 minutes into Tokyo! Too long a journey, but at least it's a direct train to the hotel which is right above one of the stations. Very handy.

The journey took us through the countryside, rice paddies and forests, bamboo trees amongst the hardwoods, reminding me of the film Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon where they're flying through the tree tops. Flying in over the countryside also brought back memories of the earthquake and the news images of advancing water over the land.

Our hotel room is dinky, but what can you expect here in the land that likes compact? You could probably swing a kitten, but not a cat! It comes with the obligatory toilet which has all the bells and whistles on it apart from a dryer! Heated seat, shower and butt cleaner! Not for the faint hearted!

And so, after a long day it's time for bed, to be ready for tomorrow's adventures!

[https://vimeo.com/49503352]

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