The Power of Two
A Trip to Japan
Robin’s Trip Diary: Reflections of a CF Mom |
|
Day 1
I am sitting in my window seat flying to Japan with Ana, Isa, Andrew, Marc, Nickolas, Matt, Ashley, Yasu. Marc, the director of the documentary, said at the airport that he feels magic connected to this project. Well, of course, this is about miracles...... 
Day 2
Breakfast buffet offered a green salad with Italian or Japanese dressing, macaroni salad heavy with mayo dressing, bread, toast or roll with jam, orange juice, a cup of soup broth, hardboiled egg, coffee or tea. This hotel reminds me of the one where I stayed in Venice, Italy last year. European in feel but here Japanese in influence. The room is comfortable with free Internet access, modern Euro style furniture and powdered green tea for self serve......
Day 3
At 2:30 today we realized that we had been in Japan only for 48 hours. That was hard to believe. So much was already packed in. Ana and Isa have given 4 talks, and we were already present for 5 events. I am still taking it all in. I am at the mercy of those I am with as I am only one of a very few Caucasians and the only one with curly hair and just English coming out of me……
Day 4
Monday morning I awake again early, 5 or so. This is normal for me. I am in Tokyo and on this day I get to see more of the city. Ana promised to take me out and about and Isa was unsure on Sunday night if she would come as she was so tired. The only event today is an onstage interview and a concert to benefit transplant awareness so the morning and early afternoon are free……
Day 5
I never travel light. My whole family is this way. We always carry the kitchen sink as they say. When I get where I am going I finally know what I really need but like a good girl scout I am always prepared. It is silly to carry books that I will never read because there is just too much to do. I am not sitting here in my hotel room whiling away the hours. And of course you need snacks. You never know when you will be hungry for dried fruit, nuts, or tiger milk bars. Well the prunes do come in handy but I am here to eat Japanese food, what was I thinking?......
Day 6
I am writing about yesterday while on the JR express train to Sendai. And another personal note related to yesterday, the toilet seats on the train are heated too. It was quite a feat to lug all of the luggage, cameras, lights, etc. from the hotel, into cabs, through the Tokyo Station and onto the train. The crew is hot and sweaty and did their bit for the day already. Not really, the day is just begun……
Day 7
The train continued to travel to Sendai arriving in a heavy rain. We had to get off of the train very quickly with all of us, and the tremendous amount of baggage this entourage carries. It was done in record time with preplanning 20 minutes before arrival. Applause broke out when the final bag was placed onto the station floor……
Day 8
My final morning was spent with Ana and Naomi sharing a traditional Japanese breakfast in a lovely room in the hotel. My room and breakfast were compliments of Mr. Adachi, a kind gift. This was such a good way to wind up this part of my trip. The food again was excellent with the decorative lacquered bowls and implements holding rice, small bits of fish, pickles, egg, seaweed, a bowl of miso soup with strips of tofu and a light egg custard. All the flavors were subtle and distinctive…… |
|
|
