michael jackson knows no language

warning:  this is a pretty long post.  this blog is as much for me and writing down my memories of this experience as it is for you to get updates on my life.


disclaimer:  i am still jet lagged.  this may be only semi-coherent.


my flight to okinawa was on january 9th.  i had the brillant idea of staying up all night until my flight left at 5:47am.  my cousin, case, and friend, dani, came over to my parents' house to keep me company.  we played some games and they watched a movie while i showered and finished packing.  my last american meal was at denny's right before heading to the airport.  a classy end to a classy american life.  case and dani decided to walk me into the airport and help with my numerous suitcases.  thankfully they did but there was NO ONE at the united counter.  not a single united employee to be found.  i realize that it was 3:45am but the airport is still open and flights are still coming and going.  i stood in line, along with about 30 other disgruntled travelers, waiting for someone to show up.  45 minutes later, ONE employee came out to check people in.  i am on a customer service complaint kick so i will certainly be letting united know about my displeasure at being kept waiting.  that is valuable time i could have spent enjoying the ambiance at denny's.


i was finally checked in and said my final goodbyes.  even though case was dying for me to break down, i kept my composure and went through security. dry-eyed.  right before i boarded, i heard a deep "hey."  it was dave, my friend tenille's husband who works at the airport.  it was nice to see a familiar face right before getting on the plane.  we chatted for a bit and then i got on the plane.


my first flight was to san francisco.  it was a tiny plane and every seat was booked so it was a bit snug.  luckily the flight was only an hour and half and i slept through most of it.  in san francisco, i grabbed some breakfast and found the international terminal.  the regular section of the san fran airport showcased stores like brookstone and the typical bookstores.  the international section of the san fran airport was filled with gucci, coach, etc.  it was like walking into a secret, designer portal.  instead of taking advantage of the shopping options,  i found the gate for my flight, got out my travel blanket and pillow and took a two hour nap.  when i fell asleep, i was the only person there.  when i woke up, the seats were full and i was getting some strange looks.  maybe it was due to the eye mask and sound machine i had set up to create an optimal sleeping experience.   


the plane to tokyo was giant.  thankfully.  it was an air japan flight so all of the flight attendants were japanese and SO nice.  overall, the flight was pretty ok.  they fed us two full meals, which were both a mix of american and japanese food, and several snacks.  they were consistently offering some sort of beverage and the flight attendants would walk up and down the aisle holding items like they were modeling for the price is right.  i loved it.  the only downside to the flight was the none of the economy seats reclined.  so for 12 hours i had to sleep sitting up.  i slept less than i had hoped but since i had an individual tv, i was able to watch several movies to help pass the time.  i finally watched "as good as it gets."  maybe it was due to the fatigue, but i wasn't a huge fan. 


the chaos begin in tokyo.  my layover was about two hours.  just enough time to get through immigration, customs, and the security line for domestic flights.  i took two large suitcases and a carry-on size suitcase.  luckily, i was able to attach the carry-on to my larger suitcase but it was still a struggle to drag them all around through the maze that is the tokyo airport.  again, i will say that the japanese people at the airport were extremely nice and helpful.  


finally, i was down in the lobby waiting to board my final flight to okinawa.   the lobby was filled with military people coming back from leave and/or deployment.  i guess i better get used to being around military all of the time.  we had to take a shuttle to the plane.  i thought the plane to okinawa was going to be tiny but it was bigger than most planes i've been on in the u.s.  when i found my seat, i struggled to get my suitcase in the overhead compartment while a bunch of military guys watched.  i was disappointed in their helpfulness but they seemed to enjoy the entertainment of watching me struggle.


i slept almost the whole flight to okinawa.  when i got off the plane, i was hit with the humidity. even inside, you could feel how thick the air is.  as i was walking to the baggage terminal, i heard the music playing in airport, "human nature" by michael jackson.  it was as if okinawa was giving me a personal welcome.  


i got my luggage, again, while a bunch of soldiers/marines/seamen/airmen, watched me struggle.  in the lobby were my boss, betsy, and my co-worker, ricardo.  of course, when we got to the car, i went around the right side of the car only to be reminded that i was going to the driver's side.  they drove me to the hotel to check in.  on the way, as they tried to make small talk, i started to get more and more overwhelmed.  i checked into the hotel and they drove me to the tower were my room was.  they left me with a bag of snacks and a time to pick me up the next day.  as soon as they left, the magnitude of the changes i was/will be experiencing hit me.  the tears began and didn't stop for quite a while.  i didn't cry much as i said goodbye during my last month in the states.  apparently i had been saving it up for that night.  i cried hard for at least 30 minutes.  after i cried, i felt a bit better.  i knew i was overly tired, hungry, and overwhelmed.  i decided that a hot shower and a good night's sleep would help.  and they did!  i'm feeling much better today.  still really groggy but much more optimistic and relaxed.  knowing myself, i'll have several more nights like that as i adjust to everything here.


the moral of this story?  michael jackson knows no language.