Flights #2 and #3

Arriving in Tokyo Narita Airport was easy after a quick flight. We have a layover of a few hours with plenty of time to relax and people watch. Airports are rich with opportunities for that.

This small plane caught our eye with its happy smile and eyelash like propellers.

The site of Osaka Expo 25 is out of the city centre and by the sea.

Like seeing airport workers riding bikes.

Our plane for our next flight… Narita to Vancouver

We will be transported to a different section of the Narita Airport by bus.

These JAL workers are here to take us to our gate for the Vancouver flight. This is relatively new for us, but it is a great service. My knees have been a challenge this trip which makes it difficult to walk a distance. At check in, they always ask if our trikes are a mobility device and we now say yes. It is true as I can ride but walking far is not good. These international airports are vast..one can walk miles.

At first I felt a bit guilty accepting their help, but it is a life saver. An unexpected plus being assisted is you don’t line up at immigration or customs as you bypass these areas with a stream lined route.

So glad we had assistance as our gate was at the farthest spot in Narita airport. It would have been a challenge. Appreciate the help.

Since we have assistance, we are first on and last off. The staff warmly greeted us and at the end of the flight, the complete crew came to us and wished us well and thanked us for flying with JAL.

This is a hub of activity at mealtime. The more we fly the more we appreciate what a tough job it is being a flight attendant.

We had the Japanese meal which included ice cream!

Appreciated the offer of wine with our dinner.

Our flight as we approach Vancouver is quite beautiful.

A majestic site…the mountains are spectacular

We had a good flight, largely due to the incredible service and friendly professionalism of the crew. We sat at the rear of the plane in a two seat row by the window. We loved it as few people came back to the restroom which meant no groups of people hanging out by our seats. It was quiet and free without traffic. However, the last few hours were hard as we couldn’t sleep, our legs got restless and so we stood and walked as much as we could.

Cold, jet lagged ….flying is not for the faint of heart.

Looking jet lagged and cold (yikes it is so cold in Vancouver), we are waiting to take a taxi to Tsawwassen where we will spend the night at the Coast Hotel. We couldn’t make a ferry connection today, so we can get lots of sleep and head home to Saltspring tomorrow.

Waiting at Tsawwassen terminal for our ferry. We are so pleased that the ferries have resumed checked luggage on our route. All we have to deal with are our trikes and a small bag.

The last leg of our journey is taking the ferry from Tsawwassen to Saltspring. We are lucky as it is a direct route on this sailing.

The best part about coming home is being greeted by good friends. Thanks Chris and Leslie!

Rate this entry's writing	Heart	3
Comment on this entry	Comment	4

Steve Miller/GrampiesThis entry made me feel tired, with the thought of dragging gear onto various conveyances, and sitting for so long. I am reading this the night before setting off for Spain, so it's tiredness in anticipation.

Take care of our islands until we get back!
Reply to this comment
4 days ago

Rich FrasierWhat an amazing adventure! I've really enjoyed following along. Hope you enjoy a little peace and quiet and home time now...
Reply to this comment
4 days ago

Barry BartlettTo Rich FrasierThanks Rich. We have enjoyed hearing from you and your input about our experiences. Take care.
Reply to this comment
3 days ago

Barry BartlettTo Steve Miller/GrampiesYes, I felt that weariness just writing it. As we get older, we have not lost our passion or love for travel…we just don’t love the flying and its effects. We wistfully walk past Premium Economy and Business class….imagine being able to sleep on the flight, but the cost would eat into our travelling time, so we muddle along.
Spain and Portugal are on our list…enjoy. Looking forward to reading about it.
Mary Ellen and Barry
Reply to this comment
3 days ago