Welcome to Tokyo, Japan!

WELCOME TO TOKYO, JAPAN!!!!!!

After 11 hours, two planes and one lay over, I have arrived at my next destination.  The first thing I noticed is how serene and peaceful I felt.  Perhaps, it was due to the flight attendants who offered a sweet smile and courteous bow upon departing the plane.  Or maybe it was the sound of waterfall playing throughout the terminal.  Yes, you heard right.  Instead of hearing Jazz, Hip-Hop or unnecessary chaos on the P.A. system,  I heard sounds of the ocean.  Having studied the principles of Feng Shui, I am definitely a believer in "organizing" the flow of energy.  When boarding the transit train which would take me to the immigrations terminal, the sound of chimes sounded as the train proceeded.  Nice.  It was hot, humid and extremely muggy on the train, however, everyone seemed relaxed.  

As I walked through the immigrations line, I was surprised to see how quickly the line was moving.  Everything seemed to operate so efficiently.  I was even more shocked to see that I not only had to submit my passport for evaluation, yet, I had to electronically submit my finger prints and facial feature.  I've traveled many places and I've never had to submit fingerprints.  There was an electronic machine which took a copy of my fingerprints and facial features, just as you see them do in the movies.  Japan ain't messin' around! 

I passed through immigrations and headed to baggage claim, although, I was keeping an eye out for the lost baggage office.  (We know of my history with bags and international travel.)  I've learned that when traveling abroad, there is almost always an English translation.  So, after studying the information board to inform me which baggage terminal to head to, I was relieved to see that an English version flashed shortly after the Japanese.  Baggage Terminal B3.  Now, I was quietly telling myself:  what's the chances that your now....1 bag, actually shows up?  As I approached the terminal, I was tickled to see my red suitcase going around the carousel.  Well I'll be....I grab the suitcase and head towards customs.  Here's the part that I always hate.  TSA agents rummaging through your personal belongings.  I then saw a sticker on the back of my suitcase that stated:  Inspected by security.  I hoped this would save me the time of having to endure the strip search of my belongings. After about 10 minutes in line, it was my turn.  The attendant asked for my passport and asked me what I was doing in Japan.  I stated: tourism, visiting a friend.  He looked at me, smile and said okay as he handed back my passport. That was it?  I couldn't believe it!  Never and I do mean NEVER have I gone through immigrations and customs as quickly and efficiently as I had in Japan.  I could get use to this place.