We had breakfast and finished the packing before going out to meet Heather and try and find the Sony Building - third attempt.
We went to the City Air Terminal next door to out hotel to ask about a bus to the airport and found that they leave every 20 minutes!!! Not sure why you can't get them every 20 minutes from the airport as when we arrived we would have had to wait for two hours so not quite sure what the set up is. Anyway, it was going to be easier than getting a taxi to Tokyo Station and then find the platform for the airport express and much cheaper! We booked the three o'clock bus.
I had told her to meet us at Exit B9 at Ginza Station and had my fingers crossed that we would find each other! It worked she arrived just after us.
We went outside and were at the very door of Sony! Not sure how we had missed it. Unfortunately, it was not open till 11.00 and it was only 10.00 so we went to find a coffee bar which was much more difficult than you would think. So many were not yet open and we were all worried we would walk too far and not be able to find the Sony Building again!
We finally found a Starbucks and went in to a very full café! The Japanese are missing a trick as there is a need for coffee bars to be open before 11.00!
We went back to Sony and spent a good hour walking around and looking at all the new items that are not yet out in UK and even less in NZ. The TV screens are huge but wonderful, clear screens. Jon and Heather played on a 3D game and had great fun. I found my new camera in the showroom so I feel like I am very up to date!
Heather and I went to the loo and when we came out Jon was sitting with some headphones on and some of the new TV glasses - watching TV without a screen. He looked so funny and was totally oblivious to us so we started to take photos of him, the assistant thought it was very funny.
We decided not to buy anything and left to look for a lunch place and found an Italian!!! I wasn't very hungry so we just had two small pizza and I had a slice or two.
We went back to the station and Heather had to catch the train one direction and us the other so out goodbyes were said on the platform - unreal feeling!
We got back to out hotel and just had half an hour to change before we had to check out.
After paying our bill we sat in the lobby and then went to get our cases and the young girl on the concierge said she would get a trolley and help us to the bus depot. She walked with us and then waited till she could check our luggage onto the bus and came back with the baggage slips and then left to go back to the hotel. Such kind people and no tipping is the rule - amazing!!!
We boarded our bus and it took - just as stated on the departure board - 55 minutes. The drive to the airport was good and we had a mini tour out of the city. The standard of driving in Japan is very good and everyone is very respectful and I would be surprised if 'road rage' exists here.
We were early and had a wait as the check in was not due to open till two and a half hours before the flight and not the usual three. However, the queue was very long for economy so they did eventually open early. Our queue for Premium was not so bad.
We went through to the departure area and used up the money on my subway pass at one of the shops. You could not add cash to the card so there was still a little left on it. I asked the assistant if she would like to keep it and she was so grateful. We walked away from the shop and she came running after us with a basket of pencil erasers and told me to choose one.
Our flight was called and we boarded and hoped it would be a better plane and flight than the outward one. The hostess at the door said to go to our left and we thought our seats were to the right and looked puzzled. She then explained that they had moved people up the plane and I assume it was because economy was full so a lot of people got an upgrade. I was glad we had booked Premium as we were moved to Business and some of the Business were moved to first. Fine by me I was very happy.
The flight was really good and very smooth. I had my dinner and then settled down on the nearly flat seat and slept for about seven hours and only woke when they turned the lights on! Amazing and I felt wide awake. Even Jon slept for a long time which is very unusual for him.
We had breakfast and we were soon making our decent into Sydney with some lovely views although I was not on the side to see the harbour and the opera house.
We only had an hour to wait at Sydney but still had to go through security even though we had only walked 100mts down a corridor from one plane to the security. I do find the Australian Immigration people rude and not at all pleasant to deal with. Not sure why the Americans have such a bad name as we have never had any bother there but the Aussies are not nice.
As we were flying Emirates we were able to use the lounge so went up for a coffee and sat and waited to be called.
Once again it was the A380 and we had an amazing flight. It was not busy so lots of staff to help. We had another breakfast but I just had fruit and yogurt. the people across the aisle were going to Auckland and then a cruise around NZ. I got chatting to them and he told me he had just retired from Forest Heath District Council and lived near Newmarket - what a small world! Lovely couple and she was so excited.
We arrived safely to a lovely morning and were soon through customs. Bertie had been playing up on the last flight and Jon had to make a dash for the loo as we got off and another once out of customs but all in all he behaved very well for all of the trip.
The drive home was long and boring, we have done it too many times now!
We arrived at the kennels with five minutes to spare to collect Totty who was very happy to see us.
Back home and all was good and the plants looked very good so the watering system was worth it as they weather had been up to 27 degrees while we had been away.
I got the washing on and unpacked and put everything away.
I had a quick trip to the supermarket to get something for dinner and that was me done for the day, very tired but very happy with our trip. I would love to visit Japan again still so much to see there. Maybe!
So ready for my bed!
WEATHER
Warm but cloudy in Tokyo. Warm and sunny in Sydney. Warm and sunny on arrival in Auckland 19 degrees
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