It’s amazing how the perception of travel has changed.  Previously, a trip traveling back from Japan was something to look forward to.  Duty free shopping.  Snacks and drinks in the lounge.  Watching new releases and old favorite movies.  Reading magazines and books.  Having a beer or cocktail in the middle of the day just because you didn’t have any responsibilities.

No responsibilities…  How that has changed.  We were worried about our experience on the flight over to Tokyo.  The screwed up seat assignment.  The breakdown halfway through the long flight…  But fate shone upon us.  First, we got upgraded to business class seats (although not the food — somehow Finnair still likes to separate the cattle from the front of the plane).  This even included the bassinet — so Kai could have napped.  That is if he hadn’t fallen asleep at take-off, and then slept for 4+ hours.  A good thing yes, but Chika’s left arm was unfortunately trapped under Kai.  But we made it through the long 10 hour flight + 1 hour delay relatively unscathed.

The second shorter flight was a bit harder.  It basically took off at midnight Tokyo time, meaning we were all quite tired.  Kai started getting fussier as well.  But at last we made it, and how good it felt to be back in our own place.  It wasn’t long before the 3 of us were happily asleep in bed.