21/08/2024
This is it! The last hurrah…the final round-up…the end of the line. Our trip to Japan has come to an end. The interesting thing about flying home is we go back in time. Our flight departs at 8:45pm. We arrive in Honolulu at 10:30am that same day. We then arrive in Los Angeles at 9:45pm that same day. So we basically get to live Wednesday, 8/21, twice. Crazy.
Ok so what did we do as our final activity? We divided into two groups. Marlene and Jack went to a temple to learn about meditation and Zen from a real monk. It started with a guide showing them around the temple and providing a history lesson. Then they learned how to meditate in the traditional Japanese style. They were fortunate to have a private tour and some valuable and amazing one-on-one time with the monk. He was a very nice and funny guy. After their temple tour and monk interaction they enjoyed a specially made vegan meal with their guide. It was an amazing experience for them and a great way to end the trip.
Charlie and I hit the streets with no plan other than to find some fun. We ended up at the mini pig cafe for some more quality time with piglets. Then we found an owl forest where you can pet and interact with owls. I’ve always thought owls were a cool birds but getting to see them up close and pet them was amazing. I have a new found love for them. Our lunch consisted of one last serving of Waygu beef. Mmm mmm its so good. Outback Steakhouse doesn’t even compare. Then Charlie tried his luck at the claw machine parlor and won a bug, soybean keychain and a stuffed monkey that had eluded him for several days. We celebrated by having a crepe and shaved ice and I got Marlene some popcorn from a movie theater to enjoy on the plane (she loves her movie theater popcorn).
We reconvened at our hotel and the our driver arrived to take us to Kansai International Airport. Its a 90-minute trip to meet up with our flight on Hawaiian Airlines. Although its been a great trip I am so exhausted and ready to go home. The bags under my eyes feel like oversized luggage.
This has been a great trip to Japan. We crossed a lot of things off our wish list but we barely scratched the surface seeing this country. The one thing I didn’t get to do was zip-line into Godzilla’s mouth. Maybe next time. We each have a take-away that we want to do when we get home:
Jack-build a garden path
Charlie-open a mini pig cafe
Me-build a koa pond
Marlene-Get a bidet toilet
The people of Japan are amazing. Everyone from the hotel staff, store clerks, guides, Uber drivers and everyone else were always kind, polite, accommodating and friendly. I honestly cannot think of one interaction that was negative with any person we came in contact with. The best part is they weren’t just being kind for a tip, because there is no tipping. It was honest to goodness friendly service. I look forward to coming back someday and see other cities and learning more about the Japanese culture.
Thank you for coming along with us on this adventure. If you want more adventures check out my YouTube channel “AdventureswithClinton”. If you need any travel related services send me an email: [email protected]
Sh**un Clinton signing off.
arigatōgozaimasu
どうもありがとうございます