This is the view from the back of the LEX (the Lincoln Express). It was crazy! I highly do not recommend the LEX unless you really have no choice. $50 (after tax and tip!). Plus, I hear that the Suburban Express is better. More comfortable for the same price, with newer vehicles. In the LEX, our luggage was dragged out in the trailer outside. The ride was bumpy, it was raining...and leaking! It reminded me of my army days, riding in the dark in the hummer on a mission. Never again! It is not worth it when you can choose your ride. Next on my list of public transport between Chicago and Champaign is the Amtrak.Having hash browns in O'Hare, Chicago, US.
We finally arrive at O'Hare, Terminal 3, at 6 in the morning. Our flight leaves at 11am! Stupid mid-west weather. We checked-in after a decent wait of about 1 hr, that's good by O'Hare standard. O'Hare is probably the worst airport in the universe. That's just the airport. The people who work in it are probably nice. After passing through the security checkpoint, where we still have to remove our laptops from their covers and take off our shoes, we were in! We navigated to the usual Parklab venue for food while in transit in O'Hare at the Food Court (K Gate area) Macdonald's. And there I am, with my big breakfast combo of which the only thing I really like are the hash browns and scrambled eggs. Macdonald's coffee is probably the worst coffee in the universe.Arriving at Narita, Tokyo
We flew via American Airlines. American is probably close to the worst airline in the universe, next to United, which is even closer. The worst airline in the universe probably is illegal. There is no free alcohol in flight. That's probably why. And the food is like the kids happy meal in a family restaurant - both in terms of size and quality. But the redeeming point here is the destination - Tokyo. Why else would you pay for this? Well, technically, I didn't pay. This was a mileage claimed trip. After a 13 hr flight, we are at Narita Airport waiting for Charlene's family to arrive. Charlene is having her afternoon tea while we wait. That's two espressos and an ice cream cone which when combined correctly equals Affogato! Narita airport is probably the best airport in the universe.From Narita to Ueno Station
Charlene's family arrives at 5.30pm. Everyone is happy. And its great to see family again! We took the Keisei Limited Express (1920 yen pax) from Narita Terminal 2 to Ueno Station in the northwest region of Tokyo. Its a direct train and you can purchase tickets directly at the counter in front of the arrival area of the terminal. After a 70 min train ride, we arrive and check into Ueno House (Taiwanese run long-term stay). We appear a little dark in the photo, but that's because my camera is not the best camera in the universe. Its a nice place for long-term stay. We will be staying there for four days and with six people, its definitely a whole lot cheaper than any hotel.
We left our luggage and quickly head out for dinner nearby at a restaurant called Yayoiken. The place, like any standard Japanese small restaurant, had an interesting way of ordering your food. Its basically like a soda dispenser, only it dispenses food tickets. You put in your money, and then push the buttons that indicated the meal you want. A ticket comes out and you hand it to the waiter. And in a few minutes, your food comes out of the kitchen, onto the table, and into your tummy. One thing I have to say about Japanese restaurants...they are haiyai!After a fulfilling meal, we go back to our apartment to rest from the day of traveling and get ready for the exciting journey tomorrow!
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