"Tadaima" is a Japanese expression which means "I'm home". This had been one of my oftenly used YM status message everytime I reach my apartment at Kasukabe. Coming back from my rather short vacation in the Philippines, it's kind of weird to use "tadaima". Home to me is definitely in the Philippines, not here in Japan.

Fortunately, I was able to catch the last train going towards my apartment. I've heard many stories about Cebu Pacific's numerous flight delays but surprisingly, our flight arrived at Japan about 30 minutes early. Not to mention, our plane departed NAIA about 20 minutes late (2pm instead of 140pm as listed in our tickets). The first flight to the Philippines wasn't bad either. We arrived at NAIA 3 at the exact time listed, although technically, I was out of the airport only about 20 minutes later (due to immigration, baggage lines, etc).

I've already experienced all 3 NAIA terminals as I've already ridden 3 different carriers (PAL, JAL, Cebu Pacific). Lucky for CP, they're the sole international carrier at NAIA 3, so processing is quite fast and organized. Although JAL would be my first choice of airline to Japan, NAIA 1 just gives you the OFW-ish feeling, especially outside at the waiting area. Arrivals at terminals 2 and 3 were a breeze (especially when someone would pick you up by car).

Thank God for the 30 minute headstart, we were able to get out of Kansai airport at around 630pm (supposedly, our plane would have yet landed by this time). Also, thanks to Alaine, who is quite the shinkansen (bullet train) veteran, I was able to board the nozomi train (only 1 per hour; bullet train with the least number of stops); thus, was able to arrive at Tokyo at about 11pm. The last train from Kita Senju going to Kasukabe was scheduled at around 12MN and I was able to ride at around 1130pm.

And so at last, I was at the apartment at around 1230MN. However, I couldn't figure out the combination of switches in our circuit breaker. Well, since it was already late (or should I say very early in the morning), I was forced to sleep, which was actually ideal since I still have to report to work the next day. The following morning, power was finally restored. A well-rested brain definitely works better than a tired one.

I've got lots of photo backlogs, and hopefully I could upload and blog about it asap. Seems like I'll be in a blogging spree for the first few weeks. There are too many things to blog about in the Philippines, good and bad. Here in Japan, life is limited to just work-apartment. Good thing there are these weekend escapades (and the internet!) to help keep me sane! :)