Ready, Set, Go!

November 22 & 23, 2018

By: Cindy

Last night the family voted on Burger Master to be our final dinner before we head out.  It was

tasty.  A full on American burger and fries before we hit the skies. 

Up at a reasonable time and to the airport via Lyft.  We were expecting chaos  but it was weirdly calm.  walked right up and through security.  Our first time flying ANA airlines.  We are all thankful that it has been great given we are on this plane for 10 hours.  Upon sitting down t=we were given clean (well pretty sure they were clean, they were in plastic) blankets, pillows and nice headphones.  Interesting meal options for lunch.  Everyone got excited when we were all given Hagen Daz ice cream.  Nice touch ANA! Not that I would normally talk about a bathroom in a plane but they are spacious with lotions and potions to choose from and the thrown with lots of buttons to push to clean places that you can imagine.  Also they set up a "Help Yourself" snack and drink bar.  We crossed over the International Date Line.  Kids thought that was fun but I didn't.  That just meant that I lost a day in my 40's and am now that much closer to the big 50! We flew over Russia and now time for another meal.  Who knew I could write so much about a plane ride. 

Grabbing the train from the airport we had an hour to the Tokyo station.  Got off and went downstairs to Ramen Alley.  So many ramen restaurants! Found one we liked, place our order and paid through a vending machine then got in line.  Waited for 10 minutes and was seated.  Maybe the place could hold 15 people tops.  The best ramen ever! Just what we need for the next step.

Grabbed the next train (30 minutes) to Shimbuku station.  Got out of the station and it was lite up and people everywhere! 15 minute walk to our airbnb.  A great little place with two bedrooms and a tatami room. 

Sticking with tradition, as we entered the place we took off our shoes.

There was a full closet of house slippers to choose from. 

A quick 10 minutes rest and off to explore.  Went to Golden Gai. It is very old little restaurants and bars. Then let ourselves get lost.  Lost in that fun way where there is no specific place you need to be.  Every corner we turned there seemed to be something unique.  The city was full of life and energy, unlike us.  Back we went for some sleep.