Up at 4:30AM. Pitch black outside and cold. Still dithering about whether to bring heavier long down coat or my lighter one. Last night I gave up on the possibility of fitting everything in a small carry-on size suitcase ... I'm even packing a medium size duffle bag for inevitable treasurers I decide to bring home. |
After years of no longer commuting into Santa Barbara, I forgot how much early morning traffic there is ... not to mention the road construction still occurring on Hwy. 101. While I drove to Gypsy's house, she ordered an Uber to take us to the LAX airport shuttle. Timing is down to only moments to spare.
The shuttle driver makes great time until we reach the 101 / 405 interchange. Always slow, but once on the 405, the four-lane traffic is barely moving. We arrive at LAX about 20 minutes later than scheduled. Thankfully, we have lots of time to spare. Check in at the JAL desk is fast and, thanks to CLEAR, we pass through security quickly as well. After checking where our departing gate is, we head to the American Express Lounge for a proper breakfast and wait for our 1:20PM boarding call. |
Soon after reaching the gate, we learn that board has been delayed. Almost an hour later, we board the plane, disinfect and organize our seating pods, then cheer to a relaxing start of our adventure! I set my movie queue to Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part 1 and Ticket to Paradise. Then, as we prepare to take off, sit back and continue reading an Ellery Adams cosy mystery. |
Soon after reaching altitude, it's time to select from the lunch and dinner menus. I select the Japanese menu options and ask for tasting of the two sakes they have on offer during this flight — Toyo Bijin (from the Yamaguchi Prefecture) has a 16% alcohol level and is made from yamada nishiki rice that renowned for sake production. The tasting notes describe it having 'an elegant aroma evoking white peach that is accompanied by a gentle sweetness on your palate." The other is Tenbu (from the Kagoshima Prefecture) with a 15% alcohol level. This sake is brewed from 50% "Yamadanishiki" rice and its tasting notes describe "aromas evoking pear, white peach and bananas with affectionate sweetness and acidity as the elegant flavors expand on your palate. A tiny sip of each was plenty ... both very smooth compared to what I've had in sushi bars locally. |
Once lunch is served, I began to watch Mission Impossible . The mushrooms dressed with tofu sauce and chestnuts was tasty, as were the spinach in a dashi broth and eggplant with miso sauce and simmered prawns. The grilled chicken with seasonal veggies marinated in a vinegar sauce was also very yummy. I did a hard pass on the steamed egg custard with salmon roe. |
A few hours later dinner was served in synchronicity with starting my second selected movie. The menu was outstanding — the braised beef short ribs with radish and konjac and the grilled red snapper and tofu with white leek and bok choy were beautifully prepared. Also delicious were the Japanese pickles, miso soup and mango panna cotta. Except for the rice and konjac, I ate everything. My new discovery is how much I love Japanese pickles!!!
NOTE: Konjac is a high, soluble fiber root vegetable that is known to lower cholesterol and glucose levels, and may also help regulate bowel movements, prevent hemorrhoids and diverticular disease. However, because this vegetable contains short-chain carbohydrates called FODMAPs, some people may have difficulty digesting it, therefore fermenting in the intestines and causing gastrointestinal problems such as stomaches, cramp and gas. It is virtually tasteless, and only a small amount was served. |
After Ticket to Paradise ended, and feeling peckish, both Gypsy and I found ourselves ordering from the A La Carte menu that is available throughout the flight. The grilled salmon flavored with yuzu, braised "hijiki" seaweed, and miso soup were just perfect while I read a few more chapters in my book. Finally, sleep came upon me. I slept almost seven hours and woke feeling refreshed. |