After a quite grueling flight, we have finally made it! I don’t know if I’d call it grueling actually, since I basically slept every flight. We left for Albany airport at 4:55am, flew from Albany to Newark, then Newark to Narita, and finally Narita to Osaka, where we took a shuttle to our hostel. Along the flights, I basically just had a 17 hour nap, interspersed with watching downloaded videos and playing sudoku on the in-flight entertainment console. I have to admit the food, for a United flight, was not too bad, or, mostly the pancakes with that fruit compote was quite good. On the long 14 hour leg from Newark to Narita, Sohum and I had a extra seat between us that was empty, so we took turns sleeping on it, which was quite helpful, actually. I’m hoping that my long napping will contribute to less jet lag down the road!
Piece Hostel is actually quite snazzy–I read on the website that it originally was a ryokan that they renovated quite recently. I’ve never stayed in a hostel before either, but it seems like a place with great value that is definitely suited for traveling, and super clean and modern. I guess my only complaint (am I allowed to complain?) is that the wifi doesn’t quite work in our rooms because we’re too far from the router. Beggars can’t be choosers though! Well, I’m about to take a nice shower after this, as there are private shower rooms on a separate floor. Each floor also has toilets and sinks, which is quite convenient. Gotta love the streamlined style of this hostel!
We had a quick dinner at Musashi Sushi, which was delicious! It was a 5 minute walk nearby, with all 146 yen plates, and a handful of classy 346 yen plates as well. I realized how dehydrated I was and treated myself to some good old not-quite Pocari Sweat at the vending machine. Oh, how I’ve missed Japanese vending machines…
Afterwards, we met with Sachi-san at around 10pm and had introductions. It was very nice to meet her, and she spoke about how she acts as a go-between for artisans and international audiences. It was a short meeting, but I’m looking forward to tomorrow, where we’ll be learning more about zen and getting a koan. I’m actually looking forward to it very much, as I think zen is the topic of the course I feel that I’m least versed in and have least experience in, as I’ve been in contact with the other topics at least once previously. I’m excited for this hands-on experience! I’m not sure if I have jet lag, but I’ll definitely be up before the 10am meeting time so I can get some coffee and breakfast at the hostel. Until tomorrow!
