Typhoon Melor

I landed in Tokyo for a one-night rest-stop before continuing on to Singapore. My arrival here is my first time in Japan, and I must admit I am very impressed with the efficiency of the airport, public transportation and hotels. As I walked towards the airport’s bus/taxi stand some of the dozens of airport staff noticed a very slight hesitation in my step. Someone came up, asked me where I was going, and pointed me to the bus ticket counter. As soon as I got my ticket, another airport staff member explained the system to me, and led me to the correct bus stop. When the busses arrive, they are greeted again by airport staff who help passengers off, and other staff who load the bus’s cargo bay and assist passengers on. With a polite bow to the bus driver and passengers, the staff wish us all a safe journey and then proceed to help the next group. This same level of attention was seen at each bus stop, and each hotel entrance.

I arrived the evening before Typhoon Melor came to shore, which by morning had wind gusts to about 50 mph. I saw many Japanese employees, shoulders shrugged against the wind walking to work, struggling with bent umbrellas and wind blown hair.  Needless to stay, the rain and wind kept me at the hotel much of the day.  I headed back to the airport in the afternoon to board my flight to Singapore.

PS:  The hotel was my very first experience with a Japanese bidet-style toilet.  More homes in Japan have one of these toilets than personal computers.  They wash your undersides with warm water, and the user can control the temperature and water pressure.  Other features can include water oscillation, noise-blocking background sound, foul odor remover, heated air dryer, MP3 player, internet ports, and more.  When I first walked into the bathroom I just stared at the toilet, not sure if I needed money.  I immediately thought of Captain Kirk, and then sat down to explore my new world (insert your favorite Uranus joke here).

Bidet-style toilet

By the way – as I headed into the city, I realized that it’s impossible to think of “Paddington Station” without thinking of a bear in a large hat.  It just can’t be done.

Anyway, I took the train from Heathrow airport to my hotel, showered, and went to the West End where there are a lot of street artists and great food.   The city is filled with so much to see and do!   Later I walked down this one street that was lined on both sides by French sidewalk cafes and restaurants. I sat down and ordered a nice baked halibut on top of seasonal ratatouille. Man was that good!   The weather here is fantastic.

Later in the evening I saw the play “Oliver Twist”, which was surprising quite good.

The next day I spent several hours at Westminster Abbey to pay my respects to the tombs of Henry V, Elizabeth I, Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton, Charles Dickens, and many others in the most incredible building in England, which is impossible to describe. To call Westminster Abbey a “beautiful church” is like calling the Grand Canyon a nice valley. No words do it justice. It must be seen to be appreciated.  later I headed over to the Imperial British War Museum, which was a lot of fun for an old WWII buff like me.

Westminster Abbey