Our journey began when we got into a cab on Tuesday morning at 5:30 am to head to Logan Airport. It ended 27 hours later when we got off the Shinkansen at Nagano Station and walked to our hotel. The trip involved planes, trains, buses and our own two feet. But we are here.
Our flight path took us far to the north and we were able to confirm that Alaska is indeed close to Russia.
We are tired and so I'll make this quick. A couple of observations. First, when was the last domestic flight you took in which the entire crew of flight attendants bowed in the front of the cabin as the trip began? That is how our flight to Tokyo began. Second, presentation matters. From the person from whom you purchased your train ticket, to the cashier exchanging your currency to the flight attendant bringing you your meal, they present you with what they are giving you in a way that is totally unfamiliar in American culture. Indeed we in the US are fortunate that some surly type unhappy with his or her job doesn't simply grunt and shove something back across the counter. I like the respect that the presentation shows for the act that is being undertaken.
Enough on the cultural observations. More later.
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