April 24
Our last day in Japan, Once we realized that our trip is over, it is easy to get excited about heading back to the states. We have been gone for about 6 months having incredible memories. It will take some time to digest a lot of the experiences. We agree that traveling has opened so many doors for us. Soon it is back to reality and we need to be packed and in the lobby by 8:45. The reservationist that reserved the taxi for us is at the desk and when he sees us he heads out to the street. Later we realized that he was just checking to see if the taxi driver came. The taxi driver was early and we are ready. Don follows our route on the google app and soon the station we need is close. This taxi has the standard white seats with lace trimmings. He drops us off and points to the door we need to go to..We have a little time to wait so we sit in a waiting area in front of a store making steamed cheese cakes.They seem to be quite popular and we got tired just watching the procedures of how they are done.
About 15 minutes before our bullet train arrives we head to the platform. Our ticket tells us which car we are riding and where to stand. It is fascinating watching the bullet trains come and go. One ritual that we have seen several times is the changing of the conductor, The new conductor stands on the platform near where the train will come to a stop. The conductor who is one the train disembarks from the train, they salute each other and then bow. The new conductor takes his place on the outgoing train. Here comes our train, be ready, the door opens and about a minute later closes. We are talking fast and efficient. We find our seat and are relieved that our backpacks easily fit in front of us.
The bullet train are sleek and fast.
We are off watching the country side speed by us. Occasionally we pass a bullet train going in the opposite direction and it is like a blur. We have been told that these trains can speed up to 177 mph In about 2 hours 30 minutes we are pulling into the Tokyo station. We step off the train and immediately are directed to the monorail that will take us to the airport. We are always amazed at how everything is synced . The train takes us directly to the Terminal that our flight will depart later. We think that it is too early to check in our luggage, but they tell us no problem,. We can just leave our backpacks with them and check out the terminal. Along with restaurants and stores, there is also places where you can lay down and take a nap. We manage to spend the rest of our Yen We go thru security which meets our high expectations of being very efficient. Our flight boards at 9 and when we land tomorrow it will be today and we will be back in the states.
When we booked our tickets we realized that we could do a layover in Hawaii. Hawaii is the last state that we need to visit in order to say we have been to all 50 states. The parents of a friend have invited us to stay at their house for a couple of days and show us around. They were the best tour guides ever. We saw waves pounding the shore.
Sun setting on a tropical beach
We even went to a Luau watching native dancers and eating traditional Hawaiian Food.
Thanks to George and Jessie.
Two days later we returned to San Diego and our extended trip came to an end.