On the way to Japan

As you have probably assumed by this point, I have made it home safely from Japan. And, of course, my first day back to work was about as horrendous as it could have been. Pre-vacation Ashley would have freaked out, but post-vacation Ashley is still functioning without breakdown into the night to update you on my trip...

We left on Friday May 25th for Japan. Or at least that was the plan. Our flight left Lihue for Honolulu around 8--I was so excited to get off the island and head on our journey. After a quick lunch, Rick discovered he had sat on a mustard packet and now had yellow encrusted all over the backs of his legs. He was embarrassed (and I guess rightfully so, judging by the size of those stains), so I headed out into the airport shops to buy something for him. Only thing I could find were board shorts. Bright blue floral printed board shorts. Nice. Still embarrassed, but a little less so, I think.

Anyway, we were sitting at our gate, literally the only non-Japanese on the flight. There was an announcement that our 12:30 flight would be delayed, first in Japanese then in English. Then another similar announcement delivered in the same fashion. Then, there was a longer announcement where all of the Japanese got really quiet and then gasped and started talking immediately. No English announcement. What did he say?

Turns out our plane had some maintenance issues and the flight was cancelled for the day. I immediately was frustrated (pre-vacation Ashley) and started crying but Rick sprung into action trying to get us a flight on a different airline or go through our booking company. Turns out we were the last flight to Osaka that day. They said they could get us a plane to Tokyo, but we figured that would be worse than waiting a day.

After a lot of organizing (but only an hour or two of waiting), Japan Airlines gave us each $15 for lunch and breakfast and $30 for supper. They also gave us calling cards for Japan and brought out snacks to the gate while we waited for the plans.
The plans included getting our luggage back and getting a bus to take us to the Ala Moana Hotel. King size bed, plasma screen TV, and right next to the shopping mall.
The view was spectacular. I'll give it to them, I was not angry for very long about the cancelled flight.
From our room we could also see the pool and the Ala Moana Mall, which was the real highlight. We got to go shopping in stores like GAP and American Eagle...
Rick out on the balcony in his killer board shorts...
After an evening of relaxing and fine dining care of JAL, the bus picked all 480 of us up in the morning and we were on the way to Japan first thing in the morning...