Begin Journey at 4:00 AM X-( We were actually in line at the Delta counter in mass chaos and was told once we made it to the counter to move over to the Alaskan Air (they were the afiliate airline). They did not open until 4:30 but there was no line! Bonus! Had croissant, coffee, and chocolate milk to start the day!

Mountains on the approach into Seattle. There were actually some snow on the peaks!

Neat patterns from the air! You can certainly see what irrigated and what is not. I think this was around the idaho or wyoming area in a valley in between the mountains.

ｒｉｄｉｎｇ　ｏｎ　ｔｈｅ　ｐｌａｎｅ

Cool clouds on the approach to Kansai Airport in Osaka, Japan

From the window of the Delta Airplane. John had a long trip over 10 hours from Seattle. Felt like we dozed, and ate most of the trip. We scored good seats by ourselves near the wing!

Osaka from the air.... This particular airport is built on a man made island just off of the mainland. You can see examples of these islands from the air on the approach.

The long bridge is the only way to and from the airport by car.

17 hours after we started we are finally back on land!! a bit bouncy but at least we're on terra firma!!

Inside the airport we walk to the tram that takes us to customs and to the main terminal. They announce in both Japanese and English.

Arrival!! Cheesy grin ;-)

In the tram looking back on the plane that got us here!

Just outside the terminal, waiting to meet up with my sister Noriko and my Mother. We actually arrived a tad bit earlier than expected. Good thing cell phones work ;-)

Cool drangon's head on display

The pond near where the condos are. The high rise buildings are condominiums.

On the cross walk bridge to the shipping center.

The plaza containg some local shops (grocery, hardware, books store, bakery, etc) to which the residents come to shop. Since a lot of the homes are small and more compact, people usually shop for a couple of days worth of stuff and then repeat. My Mom (88 years young now) makes the trip at least 3x per week pulling her small cart behind her (about .5 mile each way). Good exercise!

Lots of stairs! A lot of people only use them for the downward trip and use ramps or evelvators/escalators for the "up" trip. John and I got a lot of stares going up the staircase ;-)

Garden of the Onsen (Japanese syle Spa) in the town of Arima. The town has natural hot springs and is close to the city of Kobe so it is a mecca for city folks wanting a weekend get away. LOTS of different accommodations at this small town. My sister has pretty much tried them all and guided us to a quaint and peaceful lodge and spa. Stayed there over night and had several good baths as well as papmering with food and massage.

Moss covered grounds are well manicured.

Small fountains make for a peaceful veune to just sit and sip tea.

The pond extends into the lobby of the Hotel where we stayed allowing the Koi to swim freely back and forth inside and out.

Big Koi.

Inside the lobby. My sister is pointing to my Mother. The ever travelling backpack with camera gear is near ;-)

Ceremonial green tea. Much greener and more bitter than normal tea. Served at arrival.

ｉｎｓｉｄｅ　ｔｈｅ　ｈｏｔｅｌ　ｓｉｔｔｉｎｇ　ａｒｅａ

Ｖｉｅｗ　ｆｒｏｍ　ｏｕｒ　ｗｉｎｄｏｗ

Peeking out over the view. We were on the 7th floor overlooking the river that flows thru the middle of town.

The young lady came out to take our orders as to what sort of dinner, bedding, pillows, clothes, were needed. They really do pamper you at these places. You don't really have to bring anything. They provide pajamas, tooth brush, hairs stuff, shaving kits, etc.

The menus are in Japanese ;-)

Neat flowers!