WHEN WE HIT JAPAN!!!

Koniciwa……………! Mr. Sidhom in the land of the Rising Sun

Well it has finally arrived the day that I travel to a foreign land for the first time since returning from Fiji in those life-changing days back in the summer of 2005. Japan is a destination that I have always wanted to visit, it is a land of deep history and culture while also being at the forefront of the worlds future endeavours.

The opportunity arose when my school that I work at was organising the trip to their sister school which occurs every two years, it was an opportunity that I couldn’t let go.

Day 1: Melbourne Airport

Arriving at the Airport with a real feeling of apprehension however I was amazed at the efficiency of the good people working at Melbourne airport. We went through customs and onto the flight with little problems. The problems started as soon as we boarded the flight. An arrogant flight staff that were rude and constantly confronted the passengers with everything except a smile made the 7-hour flight difficult. (It doesn’t help when they talk to each other in their own tongue in front of the passengers) Occupying a seat near the back of the flight made up for this, as I was able to enjoy the really awesome in flight entertainment that was “On Demand!” I could watch what I wanted when I wanted. A few hours later I was joined by some of the boys where they showed me that my PSP skills have lapsed immensely over the years. (My revenge will come though!)

About to land in Malaysia, please turn off all electrical devices and put your tray tables up and have your seat in the upright position. Why is it that every time I land people constantly disregards the fact that the seat belt sign is still lit and get up to collect their bags before the plane had stopped moving?

Day 1: MISSADVENTURE IN MALAYSIA…….

I’m the last one off the flight and saw that the students and other staff had disappeared. I see that there is a line of people waiting to go through some gate so naturally I patently join the line. Slowly moving through the security area and I pass over my ticket to the confusion of the staff.
“Where are you going?” quires the airline staff,
I reply “Japan” which draws a blank stare, followed with a look of confusion.
“Ah, this is the flight to Sydney…….” Explained the really annoyed airline staff member.
“OH Ok, um how do I get to Japan then?” I asked.
He points me back through the security gate and I sheepishly made my way out to the emptiness of the airport terminal.




I move out and the first thing that goes though my mind is “Where is everyone?”
I decided to make my way to the terminal that our connecting flight to Japan was boarding at. This consisted of a train ride across the airport and 4 travelators down, only to find that there was no one there and that all the cool shops were back to where I was initially. So back on the train and a good walk around the majestic KL airport looking for the gang. I hear a bellow from above of “SIDHOM!” Where I finally found the group having a bite to eat and realising that they have changed way too much money into Malaysian currency for the hour and a half that we were at the airport.

Third times a charm on the train between terminals (I could of rode that thing all day!) and we board a half full flight to Japan which now consists of the polar opposite of cabin crew as they couldn’t be friendlier, a pink panther later (really Guava juice) and we were on our way to Japan.

Now I wish I had an amazing story to tell about the flight to Japan but at the time of writing this other than myself the whole Lakeside gang are fast asleep. I’ve never been one to sleep on flights and with such an array of shows and movies I doubt it that will change for this leg of the trip. (Although anything can happen)

Ja Mata ashita (See you tomorrow)

Mr. Sidhom.