The "Getting There" : 14 -17 January 2025 18.0

 

The 'getting there' is part of the Adventure. Some years are more ‘adventurous' than others. This is my 7th year visiting SE Asia. 2017, 18, 19, 20 (Covid), 23, 24, and now 25. There are many ways to get from point A to B. The major airlines have ‘alliances’ with other airlines in other countries And all airlines have their ‘hubs’. So depending on which US airline you fly with, you will have different routes. I’ve flown from Kalamazoo to Chicago, and through Hong Kong, Doha, and S Korea. I’ve been using ‘frequent flyer miles’ with American Airlines since I started my Winter Adventures in 2010. It had worked out well for me. However, they do limit the number of seats that they reserve for their ‘reward customers’. Last year was the first time I had to pay for my flights, even though i started booking 8 months in advance. This year I was flying: Kalamazoo, Chicago, Los Angeles, Japan, to my final destination, Jakarta, Indonesia. This is the first time I’ve flown through Japan. I knew that Tokyo has 2 main airports, Haneda and Narita. Ideally, a person would fly in and out of the same airport. Less convenient would be flying into one airport and out of the other. Unfortunately, I ended up booking a flight that flew into Haneda and out of Narita. I knew that was less than ideal, but, many people do it, so how difficult can it be. And, I didn’t have any better options. After much research, I discovered that the 2 airports are over an hours drive apart, yikes! And, they don’t offer any ‘free shuttle’ between the two Airports. Why would they? …they are competing. But obviously there are ways to do it. And again, after much research on line, I had an idea of what the options were. The ‘Limo Bus’ seemed to be the best choice. They leave often, put your luggage in a compartment under the bus, and you get an assigned seat.

There is a train, but no reserved seating, so you may end up standing for over an hour. Then a week before I was to depart, the gut-wrenching fires destroyed Los Angeles. American Airlines sent an email saying they would waive any change fees, if I wanted to NOT fly through LA. That seemed like a good idea, although I had already made many reservations for what I had already booked. I called, and after much work on their part, they were able to route me through Dallas, and still connect with my flight out of Japan to Jakarta, Indonesia. I was impressed and thankful that the reservations I had previously made would still work. It’s always a bit stressful to fly, but it is compounded when everything depends on getting out of Kalamazoo (in winter), in and out of Chicago, and eventually on that international flight … with your luggage. My Guardian Angel was with me again this year. I’ve never flown out of Dallas. Shortly after take off, I looked out the window and saw snow-covered mountains … what? For some reason I thought we would have flown East. Had I looked at this map, I would have known better.

We traveled West and followed the sun for hours, and then the sunset went on for hours also. I paid big $$ for a ‘bulk head seat’ for the long flight: 13.5 hours. So I had lots of room to stretch out… it was worth it, but damn, it’s a flight that never seems to end. Because of the changes, I arrived at Haneda Airport on an evening flight, and had an overnight before my flight out the next morning from Narita. For many years, I have spent many nights in many airports. It seems like a lot of hassle, money, and more stress, getting transport back and forth to a hotel for a couple hours of sleep. So I’ve always opted for staying in the airport, trying to get comfortable, in a chair, across several chairs, or on the floor. It’s ALWAYS cold! I’m getting old, ok, I’m already old. After more research this year, I discovered something REALLY AWESOME. Some entrepreneur, came up with the idea of ‘pod’ or ‘capsule’ accommodations, INSIDE the airport terminal! I was so excited about this prospect that I booked myself into one at Narita Airport. After 13.5 hours I arrived in Haneda Japan at 6:30p, through immigration, gathering luggage, and through customs, I set out trying to find where I could get a ticket for my Limo Bus to Narita Airport. What I imagine in my head, and reality is never the same. I found out that the Terminal I arrived in, closed their Limo Bus service about an hour before I arrived. So I had to take the Haneda Airport Shuttle Bus from Terminal 3 to Terminal 1, where the Limo Bus WAS still running. I got my ticket without any trouble. Here is another thing I didn’t realize: Japan is COLD in January !!!!!! Waiting outside for the bus it was 42F, real feel of 24F.

But I am telling you that in Japan, everything runs ON TIME, to the minute! Those buses were no exception.

My bus left at 8:25p, and I was at Narita Airport a little over an hour later, at Terminal 2, where my ‘pod' accommodation awaited me. It is called 9hr Capsule, difficult to find, but it was great! Again, amazingly efficient and clean. Men and Women are separated, thankfully. They give you a nice mesh bag with a garment, (which reminded me of something reform-school kids would wear:

(but a great idea so you aren’t running around naked after your shower), also slippers, (it was required that you took your shoes off to keep things clean), also a bath towel, hand towel, and bath mat for the shower, tooth paste and brush. A line of 12 sinks and another long counter with hair dryers for ‘primping’. The showers were nice and very clean, soap, shampoo, AND conditioner were provided.

The 6 toilets all have these bidet options ..... music ?

They had large lockers for your luggage with a key. This is my capsule for sleeping.

A nice mattress, pillow, and comforter. It had a vent in the roof for circulation, and a ’sprinkler head’ in case of fire! Dimming lights, USB port, WiFi, and 2 shelves. It was AMAZING ! There were 58 pods, thankfully I was not on the ’top pod’.

What a wonderful idea someone had. I counted 32 pair of slippers outside the pods! Business is good ! You could also rent by the hour. It was impressive and a very restful night. A++ Way better than on the floor. My flight was at 11a, and I was already at the Terminal, so I had lots of time. The Airport is massive, efficient and clean, with LOTS of shopping. No stress this morning. On the flight out of Kalamazoo, I sat next to a man from Japan!!!!! He showed me photos of Mount Fugi. He said I probably wouldn't be able to see it with my itinerary.

But surprisingly, I DiD see it leaving from Narita..... well, I could see it a little, and less in the photos I tried to take.

The flight to Jakarta was another 8.5 hours. Japan Airlines has very roomy comfy seats. Japan Rocks! Highly recommend Japan Air Lines. I watched The Intern, with Robert DeNiro…. cute and funny. Lots of good food and their ’signature’ drink made with Pear and Grape… was refreshing. It could have used a shot of Vodka, but it was early…. Something else I didn't realize about Japan .... their magazines are 'backwards' !

My flight arrived in Jakarta on time, 5:30p. I added a new island in Indonesia this year, Ambon. I have seen photos on FaceBook from other ‘Muck Diver’ friends, so I thought I’d give it a try. That is the reason I flew into Jakarta, instead of Bali, (where I usually go). So, more research was needed for a flight from Jakarta to Ambon. Because of the arrival and departure flight timing, I had ANOTHER overnight at the Jakarta Airport. I originally booked a hotel ‘close to the airport’ that had an Airport Shuttle. It wasn’t a ‘free’ shuttle, it was $40. I thought that was quite expensive, but found out it was over an hour drive to the Airport. I don’t consider that ‘close’. More research and I found … guess what? … another ‘pod’ accommodation, right in my departure Terminal 2 at the Jakarta Airport. This one called PassGo Digital Airport …. strange name. But pretty much the same as the one in Japan. This ‘pod’ was more advanced, with a flat screen TV (why?), and extra ‘mood’ lightening.

I had hit the ‘wall’ and was totally exhausted. I was looking for something quick to eat, and saw Beard Papa's. They make cream puffs and I had them years ago. I was addicted to them, so that’s what I had for dinner. If they ever open a franchise in Kalamazoo .... i'm IN !

So far on this leg of my Adventure: Kalamazoo to Jakarta, Indonesia. How long did it take?

Then on to Ambon, Indonesia Finding the right boarding gate to Ambon the next morning was challenging. But I finally figured it out. I also found a SubWay and got some USA comfort food. This flight was another 3.5 hours … with no food nor drink offered. Obviously I’m not in Japan any longer.

Gosh .. this year’s trip had 3 night’s sleep: 2 in pods and one on the flight. It took longer to get here this year. I guess that’s why this is so ‘lengthy’ and detailed :) When I have friends who have been diving and staying at a new place …it’s less work for me. So I contacted LaHa Divepacker for the diving, and my friends recommended Patra Homestead for lodging. The Dive Shop set up the accommodation for me, and also the pick up from the Airport in Ambon. .... Which didn't go so well. One of the things I hate about getting off public transportation ... all the people (guys) who won't let you alone. I told them I could wheel my own luggage and had a pick up, but they persist. And then .... my ride did not show up. And I stood around looking like a fool. Eventually one of the 'guys' found another 'guy' and he said he was my driver. Red Flag ! I tried calling the Dive Shop, but no answer to confirm. He eventually called them and showed me the message that he was 'the guy'. I was tired of traveling and i was grumpy :) The airport is right next to the Village of Laha. A 'sad' little village, but with happy people. The Laha Divepackers Dive Shop was very welcoming. They took me to my Patra Homestead accommodation. I have to admit I was disappointed. It's not the worst place i've ever stayed, but lately I've been treating myself to 'nicer' places. The room was nice enough with a comfortable bed.

And my own private bathroom. This one has a 'bucket toilet', which I am very familiar with. There is a faucet and a bucket that you fill next to the toilet. After you use the toilet, you use a pail to pour water from the bucket into the toilet to flush it. The 'shower' is similar, but it actually has a spray hose. By the way .... that toilet is way LOW ... keep those quads working !

This is a Muslim community. Each day they have a Call to Prayer broadcast from the Minaret of a Mosque. The announcement is made shortly before each of the 5 obligatory daily prayers. The Mosque is right next door, and they have gigantic powerful speakers to do their broadcasting. .... FIVE times a day, and sometimes it goes on for over an HOUR! It is not a 'nice sound', and ear plugs only help a little. I am in their community, and I don't mean to be disrespectful, so I deal with it. But it's horrible. Here ... take a listen.... you might want to turn your speakers down ... something I could not do :(

I hate to leave you with such an obnoxious video ... :( Laha DivePacker had a lot of new kittens to entertain me. This is a sweeter ending

I hope you learned a few things during the first part of my Adventure .... I know I did ! dp