Thankfully, Steve and Melissa volunteered to drive us up to DIA. We got there around 9:30 and had a bit under 3 hours to get through international security. Only one of our checked bags was over 50 pounds, so I was able to pull a couple items to ensure all 8 bags could fly. Our carry-ons all passed through security without a hitch. We were not asked to remove our laptops, take off our shoes, or even remove the liquids from the bags. It was a little weird. All said and done, we got to the gate about an hour before they started boarding. The airline was unable to sit us all together, so Oliver and I were in one pat of the plane and Derek and Owen were in a different part. It was lame, but not the end of the world.
Oliver had his own seat, but he insisted on being held the ENTIRE flight. There was another little boy the same age in the seats next to us, and Oliver cried WAY less than he did. I guess that means he did pretty well despite a few freak outs. My arms are still stiff today from holding him while he slept in those uncomfortable chairs.
Owen was a trooper. He was chill the entire flight for Derek, happily playing on the iPad mini or watching a show on screen on the back of the seat. All the snacks they kept serving didn't hurt either.
Our flight arrived in Tokyo about a half hour early. We had to go through security again which I found odd considering we had just gotten off a plane. But I guess not all incoming flights are coming from countries with as tight of security standards as Japan and the US. We had to pull out all of our electronic equipment (external hard drives, AppleTV, baby monitor, ect) this time, but otherwise it went smoothly. Fortunately, both time we went through security, it was not very busy, so we were not rushed at all.
The Tokyo airport was very interesting simply because it is so different than anything in the States. We were especially interested in the different bathrooms. Oh! And they had special rooms just for nursing moms all throughout the airport. It was so cool to feel such support for breast feeding even without talking to anyone. The rooms had comfy chairs, changing tables, sinks with soap to wash bottles/pumping parts, and even outlet adapters to accommodate different pumps. It was awesome. And really clean. They also had a sweet play area near the gate that the boys loved.
The plane ride to HCMC was a completely different experience than the ride to Tokyo. The plane was smaller, yes, but there were many other differences. The food was healthier. They brought around hot towels before meals. They had toys and books for the boys to play with. Even the apple juice was different. It was very clear that the Japanese are incredibly supportive of moms and children. It was an incredible feeling.
We got into HCMC about 40 minutes early. We picked up our visas which took about an hour. Then we went to collect our 8 suitcases. They told us to go to the wrong baggage claim area. We waited for another 45 minutes while panicing a bit (okay, a lot) waiting for our bags to come out. They never came. So we went over to lost baggage. On the way, we passed another carrousel All 8 of our bags were piled up next to it. I don't think I've ever been so relived.
Next, we went through customs which was not a big deal. We just had to pass all the bags through another xray. No biggy. Then we left the airport. The humidity hit us instantly. The school's bus driver was there to collect us. We went on an exciting drive at midnight to get to the apartment. We got checked in without a hitch and were helped to get all our baggage upstairs.
We showered and bathed the boys, got jammies on, and went to bed. We only slept for about 4 hours and woke at about 5 am Wednesday morning.
I'll update more later abut our first day. We need to get ready to meet the realtor now...
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