Around the World II

Day 21 - Thr 22 Apr 2004 #1

Matsumoto, Japan

Up early to catch the same train to Nagano as I did yesterday - at least I know where to change trains to Tokyo now. I'm still a bit upset that my camera has broken, if anything it seems to be getting worse. If the price is right then I'll buy a Fuji 420 in San Francisco - if not then I'll get some disposable cameras.

I'm not sad to be leaving Japan this time - I've had enough, in fact all I want to do is get on that train across America. Finding things that are 'different' in Japan is getting harder and harder. Even a western face doesn't seem to have the same effect on the Japanese than it did back in 1997. This could be my last trip to Japan for a bit.

At the airport now - It seems that Business class is full, so I might not get an upgrade, but at least I got into the business lounge. Free booze, Internet and snacks - there's even a shower. The place is full of bags with wheels on, and laptops.

I've managed to get into Business class - and it's a different world up here, they hang your coat up for you, and the seats are HUGE, but the people aren't that talkative. It's a full flight, so I'm very glad I got the upgrade. When they serve the food they do it in three courses. I even managed to sleep a bit even though the flight was a bit bumpy.