Day 18, April 18th: Homeward Bound

It was going to be a long day.  We would be going from southern Japan to Tokyo's Narita Airport.

Our last Toyoko Inn breakfast!  Loved the miso soup!

The Toyoko Inn does not give out free shampoo, conditioner or soap.  You get it from that dispenser on the wall which is very convenient.  They do give you a free toothbrush and toothpaste though and free tea.

Walked to the Takamatsu station where train staff were waiting for us to arrive.

I'm holding our bento lunches that we bought at the train station.

They notified all the stations where we would be making transfers to make sure we would complete our trip to Narita Airport.

And yes, we could still see some cherry blossom trees blooming on our way north.

We were keeping our fingers crossed that the two suitcases we sent that first week from Tokyo and the two suitcases we sent from Matsuyama would be waiting for us at the Yamato Takkyubin delivery counter.

They were!

Sigh... what a relief!

Mom called her brother and sister to thank them for all their kindness, generosity and hospitality.

We would be talking to our friend, Sam on Skype when we returned to Hawaii.  I really wish the relatives could get on Skype.

When Art was making reservations for seats on China Airlines from Hawaii, people were not helpful.  Expedia said we couldn't make reservations until 24 hours before flight time and we would not be able to sit together.

I was finally able to get help from someone at the Honolulu Airport China Airlines who got us seat reservations together.  Otherwise, we would all have been separated which would have been upsetting for Mom.

At Narita, one of the China Airlines personnel came and told us they thought we'd be more comfortable together in seats that were closer to the front of the airplane so they moved us.  They also assigned someone to help us get to the gate.  What a difference from calling Expedia in the states!

With four hours to kill at Narita Airport, we had time for a last soft serve.  Would you believe it was at McDonalds?  And no, it was not as good as those we had during our trip.

It was so much fun to see the same attendant we met when we arrived in Tokyo take us to the gate to leave.

The meals returning from Japan to Hawaii were a whole lot better than the ones we got going.

We really loved our time in Japan, but it was wonderful to be back in Hawaii again.

Because of the wheelchair, our bags were ready quickly and we got through customs efficiently.

John's Taxi came to take us all home.

My sister-in-law, Nancy and nephew, Cody sent us a fruit basket bouquet to thank us for bringing home their husband and father safely.

And now....

I've got those 25 GB of photos to get through to make that (detailed) travel photo album for Mom so that she can remember all the good times we had.

Wish me luck!