This time the decision and request to work in Japan were almost spontaneous. My manager approved and since the Work Visa was still valid and I still hold a Reentry Permit, the paperwork went smooth.
Next, I needed to find an affordable plane ticket. Now in summer and with slightly more than a month in advance, I couldn’t expect too many choices. Emirates offered something and for 10 Euros more, a combo Austrian-Airlines/Lufthansa would offer me a big advantage: time saving. With Emirates I would’ve probably flown with the A380, I should’ve had three meals, I could’ve seen the Burj-Khalifa, I would’ve had power supply during the flight, and I could’ve taken up to 30 kg luggage, but I would’ve landed past 5pm in Narita, which means I couldn’t have reached the agency to pick up my keys for my room, and I would’ve needed more than one working day; for both depart and return flights. So I took Star-Alliance. First world problems.
The plane landed in Narita more than punctually, around 7:15am, and I crossed the migration check point very quickly thanks to the Re-entry Permit. It kind of feels special to hold an almost empty queue. there were other white foreigners, then I recalled that my looks can be confusing for some people: some guess I am from Southeast Asia, others think I’m Latinamerican. Everything went smooth. My backpack (yeah, I travel with a huge backpack, I need my hands free) took a bit long to appear. Customs went also smoothly.
I still had some time, since the Agency opens at 10am. So I took the commuter Kensei line which takes 90 minutes to reach downtown. I had the time, and the price was “only” 1100 Yen, in comparison to the 2400 Yen which costs the Kensei Skyliner. Not to talk about the JR Narita Express. The train look almost empty.
After some stops it was more crowded, and I understand that such trains may not be that convenient when carrying too much luggage.
The people from the Agency recognized me, so the process was fast. I headed immediately to my room, which is slightly (really slightly) bigger than the one of last year. I have only met one roommate, a friendly guy from USA. I also greeted a girl but we didn’t change any word.
After a shower I headed to the Oracle Offices, less surprising than the first time. My coworkers even prepared a place for me to work.
Now, Tokyo is hot and humid now, and sunny. And I am glad to be here.
yamanoterider 