Getting there

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So although I didn't know when I was leaving when most people asked me, I managed to get a good deal with tickets on Tuesday, get my Visa on Thursday morning, pack frantically on Thursday night, and finally leave on Friday morning.

My first flight was a long one, to Japan with Air NZ. Needless to say, there were a lot of Japanese people on board. I was sitting next to a pretty talkative NZer, on holiday, and a Japanese guy who (I'm not making this up) spent the entire time studying and playing asteroids. I had planned to watch a few movies on there, but couldn't focus long enough, so spent most of the time watching Simpsons, or listening to strangely addictive Japanese pop music..

Once I got to Narita in Tokyo, what was immediately appararent was the sheer size of the airport. I had to bus to the terminal that I was meant to be, where I spent the next 5 hours sleeping and wandering up and down the massive terminal.

The next flight was quite long as well. I sat next to boring Japanese people, so there wasn't much opportunity for conversation. I did manage to watch Star Trek, which was pretty good. But I mainly slept or listening to French electronic music.

The terminal at France was completely empty when I got there, so it was quite eerie. I was pretty dazed at that point, so I was wandering pretty aimlessly for most of it. I found myself in a restroom at some point, and after using it, I realised that it was not a male one.. Restrooms without doors are quite misleading.

The last leg was meant to be quite short, on a pretty small plane. I ended up talking to a native Ukranian, who filled me in a lot about things that I asked about. After landing in Kiev, he helped me get a sim card and exchange some money, as well as helping me onto a bus to the train station. His dad and fiance were there to meet him, and he offered me a ride to Dnipropetrovsk, but it was 5 hours by car, and I decided to pass on it. So I was finally in Ukraine, on a bus to the train station, hoping that the rest of the people were as friendly. And looking forward to my 7 hour train ride...

So I realised that flying isn't all as bad as I thought it would be. TV, movies, music and drinks on demand, food in handy sized portions, sleep anytime.. Even when I discovered that there was an issue with my vege meals, they were quite accomodating (see photo). The worst part would probably be the stopovers. Air France did have free PS3 stations, but I thought Japan at least would have free wi-fi. Ah well, just 3 months before I do it all again. Woot.

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Comments

[Anna]

Hmmm interesting first leg
The bathroom story is hilarious. Luckily nobody walked in. Was it the female bathroom? The Ukrainians sounded nice. You seemed to have been lucky to find people who have been really helpful and nice to you! Glad you're enjoying it. Keep the blog updated with your travels :)

[jeremello]

To anna
Yeah it was a female one. The airport was practically empty at that point. BUt yeah, everyone here is so nice and friendly, despite the language barrier.

[Dishani]

Hi from NZ
Sounds very interesting. So basically you've been travelling a lot. The bathroom part sounds pretty hilaroius. Glad to hear that you've found some nice people to help you and you are enjoying it eventhough you broke your camera. Hope you were able to repair it. We had a fantastic Christmas party this year. What a shame you missed it. Anyway, keep us posted with your new travel updates. Ejnoy and take care.