Tuesday, February 3, 2009

The Tokyo Lounge Rocks

When my flight from  Bangkok to Tokyo boards, I saunter up to my swanky 1st class seat (thank you United miles).  Once we're air born, I recline my flat bed seat into a bed and pass out.  It is only 5 hours to Tokyo and they quickly go by.

I had heard great things about the Tokyo first class lounge - so once we landed I headed straight for it.  Once there I request a shower stall and it was amazing.  You're taken to your own private bathroom, complete with plush toilette and snazzy toiletry set.  The shower itself is fabulous - great pressure with unlimited warm water.  It's been quite a while since I've experienced anything like it.

Refreshed, I head to check out the spread - and what a spread it is! Tiny sandwiches, fresh sushi, an amazing fruit plate, a cheese plate including some delectable brie, fresh veggies including red and yellow pepper (not of the spicy variety).

I take some sushi, cheese, fruit and veggies, plus my own little bottle of sake.  I explore around for a good spot to sit and I discover a nook in the back with massage chairs and private TVs.  I hunker down and watch some sumo wrestling while I wrestle with the message chair.  I cannot get it to stay on for more than 5 seconds.  After a few minutes I accept defeat, relax, sip sake, and watch the sumo wrestlers until my next flight.  It feels like the ultimate in luxury and I seriously consider "missing" my next flight to spend more time in the lounge.

Alas, reality sets in and I make my next flight to LAX and then the one from LAX to D.C. and I am home.  My father does a double take when he sees me - I'm quite a bit tanner than the last time I was home!

He grabs my bag from the carousel and I chat about my trip as we drive home.  Once home, he takes my bag up to my room for me and then I realize it's official.  This is my home now.  I am 29, unemployed, single, and living in my childhood bedroom (complete with twin bed).

Gosh I miss Thailand.

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