On my way – Wellington to Tokyo on Air NZ

Up before 0445 to get my flight to Auckland and connect with NZ99 to Tokyo this morning. The flight equipment has changed since I last took this Air NZ flight in Feb 2008. That time, I was an award ticket in Business Premier on a 777. The aircraft has now been switched to a lower passenger capacity 767. I don’t think the passenger load currently justifies the 777, although this flight is pretty rammed. I noticed that the Business Premier class is old-school and not the updated flat bed variety. Not that it affects me as I have been booked into economy class as part of my Fellowship awarded by the Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science.

Movies. Well, Rhys Darby is quite good in ‘Yes Man’, especially when dressed as a Spartan from 300. The film itself is reasonable for it’s genre. I started to watch Revolutionary Road, but as I had said goodbye to Kate this morning for 25 days, I decided I wasn’t really in the mood for it. So, Dean Spanly it is instead for now.  UPDATE – Dean Spanly – what an unexpected, moving and well-made film. Truly unique, and the trailers just don’t give you any clue as to what is in store. Which is a good thing.  can only wholeheartedly recommend it. Just lovely.

Technology wise, I’ve packed my Powerbook and iPhone for this trip, though it will only be functioning as an iPod Touch when in Japan as it won’t work with their phone systems. For this trip, the Eee PC will stay at home. I might pick up a couple of bits of pieces of gadgetry in Japan depending on funds and what looks good. At the moment I’m looking mostly at updating my digital camera, and perhaps a little Sony Vaio P. Though I should really be saving right now.

Back to the movie. Will probably update once I’ve commuted across Tokyo from Narita to Kokubunji out in West Tokyo on the JR Chou line.