Off to Hong Kong

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Off to Hong Kong
Last evening’s shabu-shabu dinner was a delight and Japanese drummers connected us to past customs of this ancient cultural tradition.

This morning seventy-five tourists moved efficiently with lots of help and plenty of patience to clear security in the airport in Osaka. The group hurriedly scurried about trying to deposit yen in multiple vending machines. Did you ever see Diet Coke in an aluminum container shaped like a short bottle? We did … This is just one very small example of the creativity and attention to detail that Japanese manufacturing evidences… utility combined with beauty everywhere we looked.

We were greeted on the airplane by beautifully attired geisha (alias our flight attendants) and samurai head-banded pilots and engineers! Our flight today was more festive than ever with few travelers seated for more than take-off and landing during this 4 hour flight. Think party in the sky. The cock-pit door remained open so that we could gaze the skies and be photographed with our pilots … and I had an important question answered by our flight engineer (who you may have heard thawed a frozen engine upon our departure from Whitehorse) … Question: If we all assemble on one side of the plane would it lean to that side? Answer: No, automatic stabilizers would engage. Reassuring!

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Photos

Mica Girls
These Young Girls are studying to become geisha. I have mixed emotions about this practice, though was reassured that many of the ancient expectations are no longer enforced.

Japanese Drummers
What a special treat to enjoy the rhythmic modern-day adaptation of this ancient practice!

Mica Girl
This young woman practiced her entertaining skills at our table. She was solicitous and eager to share her dedication to becoming a geisha. Both lips are painted indicating her first year of study.

Our Flight Attendents
These professionals are truly dedicated to our Around the World experience!

Our Samurai Flight Engineer!
My question of equilibrium answered!