Video Footage: A weekend in Tokyo

True to form, the Harrington's captured a few video shots of their Tokyo weekend including train rides, Disneyland entertainment and more!

For your viewing pleasure:

The Great Reunion: A Weekend in Tokyo

Early in the month of May, Melissa spotted a status update from her dear friend since middle school, Mindy Litton. The status claimed that Mindy was in Japan. Knowing that Mindy's sister was working in Japan, this was a reasonable place for Mindy to be, however, seeing that South Korea is not all too far from Japan, it was unreasonable that Mike and Melissa should not work their tails off to figure out a way to have a happy little reunion in Tokyo while Mindy was on this side of the globe.

And that it is the beginning to this tale of The Great Reunion. The weekend of May 12-13th found the Harrington's hopping from bus to plane to train to subway for a whirlwind tour of the world's largest city and a reunion with the world's sweetest Litton sisters and the boyfriend to one, Alex Ly.

Early on the morning of May 12th, (we're talking like 3 am early) Mike and Melissa groggily made their way to Incheon airport where they caught an 8 am flight to Narita Airport, took an hour express train into Tokyo center and frantically searched for a dark-haired Mindy and her equally dark-haired boyfriend, no easy task. Finally, while Mike was off checking dark corners for the couple and Melissa waited at the main subway gates a voice shouted Melissa's name and within minutes the first hug of the reunion was underway.

Thrilled to be together, but eager to fill their bellies, the now group of four (Mindy, Alex, Mike and Melissa) made their way into a department store where they grabbed a quick, delicious bite to eat.

Bellies satisfied, the group was then on their way to the Tokyo Hilton where they planned to drop off their belongings (which included an air mattress from Mandy's place for the most comfortable sleeping arrangements possible). Little did the Harrington's realize that in heading to the Hilton they would end up at the subway station for Tokyo Disneyland. Therefore, rather than head over to the hotel, the Harrington's meandered the outskirts of Disneyland which showcased fountains, overpriced shops, flower arrangements and even an impressive magic-type show.

5 Hours in Japan

The Harrington's had the good (or bad - depending on how you look at it) fortune of a long layover in Osaka, Japan. Excited for the opportunity to get a small taste of one more Asian nation, the couple ventured a ways out from the airport and enjoyed the quaint, quiet streets of Japan on a Sunday afternoon. First things first, the Harrington's made their way to what appeared to be a cafe. Needing some breakfast yet having absolutely zero Japanese language skills, the couple took a seat, smiled, pointed and whatdoyaknow - breakfast arrived. However, breakfast wasn't necessarily what they imagine breakfast to be, a small hot dog on a roll, eggs, and potato salad sat on Mike's plate while Melissa had much the same minus the hotdog, replaced with toast. The couple enjoyed breakfast as well as the many well-meaning Japanese women who wanted to have long and fast conversations with this clearly foreign couple...smile and nod, then walk out the door.

Not having too much information on the area, the Harrington's made their way along the streets hoping to run into a castle they had seen marked on their map. As the approached the moat they were delighted by a couple joyful Japanese children catching cicadas - a lot of ruckus as well as entertainment.

The couple then toured a castle enjoying the sights of the city and seeing some traditional armor and swords. From castle tours to shopping malls the Harrington's were on a mission to find some sushi or some ice cream. Ice cream won and the Harrington's sat for a few moments enjoying their ice cream cones rather than discovering why there was a large grill as the center of the table they were seated at. With an upcoming flight it was time for the Harrington's to make their way back to the airport.
Returning to the airport proved a bit of an adventure as all ATM's rejected the Harrington's debit card and banks and money exchanges were closed. A few prayers later and the kindness of a Japanese stranger had their American money exchanged and their bodies boarding a train airport-bound. Good fortune continued following the Harrington's when they volunteered to give up their seat on their United Flight. Simply by volunteering they were given a pass to enjoy the Airport Lounge (complimentary wi-fi, drinks, snacks and gifts!) When asking further questions about their need to stay behind the Harrington's discovered that not all passengers had arrived on time and because they had so kindly volunteered to stay behind, they could now enjoy Business Class seats for their upcoming 12 hour flight -- not a bad deal!