Upon arrival in Tokyo, I had to exit the plane and then pass back through security to make my connecting flight to Hong Kong. As expected, I did not have to pass through immigration. Easy peasy Japanesey, it turned out. My layover here was just under an hour so to be on the safe side, I didn't dilly dally, although I wanted to explore a bit. In an unfamiliar airport with a short layover, it is better to head to your next gate right away so you don't get lost or become frantic if you need help finding it.
Tokyo's Narita airport is smaller than Houston or Minneapolis airports but it is safe, very clean and has the same high end shops you would find in other airports. It also had some super fun looking tea shops, cafes and souvenir shops. But, I will have more time for exploring and less to carry if I wait to buy goodies and "surprises" on the way home. It will be more enjoyable because it will be a bit more familiar and I will know how much time is necessary to get from gate to gate.
What I found challenging was determining which gate I needed to head towards in order to catch the next leg of my flight. The flight monitors did display both English and Japanese but I didnt see my flight listed. Not to worry. I asked a passing flight attendant to kindly point me towards the airport information desk. There, they could look up flights that were not on the monitor. I think I was just a few minutes early which was why my flight wasnt displaying when I first looked.
The point to keep in mind is: even if you think you are lost or feel disoriented in a new airport, there will usually be a service representative somewhere who can help you. Be courteous and respectful and remember when you are in their country, you are the foreigner so leave your insecurities at home and be as pleasant and courteous as you would expect a guest to be in your home county. Even total strangers are often very willing to assist and help you if you mind your manners and ask politely.
Back in my seat, heading to Hong Kong. 6 more hours and I will be in Hong Kong. But my journey won't be quite over yet. A driver is meeting me at the airport in Hong Kong and will drive me across the border into China.
Next stop, Hong Kong. I am very excited to see this famed city. I have been told that it is a bustling city like New York City and Manhattan, but cleaner. :) Can't be bad, right?
What I found challenging was determining which gate I needed to head towards in order to catch the next leg of my flight. The flight monitors did display both English and Japanese but I didnt see my flight listed. Not to worry. I asked a passing flight attendant to kindly point me towards the airport information desk. There, they could look up flights that were not on the monitor. I think I was just a few minutes early which was why my flight wasnt displaying when I first looked.
The point to keep in mind is: even if you think you are lost or feel disoriented in a new airport, there will usually be a service representative somewhere who can help you. Be courteous and respectful and remember when you are in their country, you are the foreigner so leave your insecurities at home and be as pleasant and courteous as you would expect a guest to be in your home county. Even total strangers are often very willing to assist and help you if you mind your manners and ask politely.
Back in my seat, heading to Hong Kong. 6 more hours and I will be in Hong Kong. But my journey won't be quite over yet. A driver is meeting me at the airport in Hong Kong and will drive me across the border into China.
Next stop, Hong Kong. I am very excited to see this famed city. I have been told that it is a bustling city like New York City and Manhattan, but cleaner. :) Can't be bad, right?
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