Chapter 5: Chapter 4: arriving at the hotel

My journey from the airport to the hotel took no more than half an hour, including the time spent waiting for the taxi to arrive. 

 

In front of me is an old-style Japanese hotel, beautifully maintained as if it were built yesterday. But it still exudes an air of serving many important people of times long forgotten. I almost felt unworthy, and decided to double check my reservation by checking the light on my hand. Yes, indeed it was the correct hotel, a green symbol confirmed it.  

 

A stone path led towards the entrance, surrounded by a well maintained garden. Well, as far as I can see, because it is already dark and a bit foggy outside, which makes the atmosphere a bit mysterious. Small lanterns are placed next to the path every few metres, so I can see the path perfectly well.

 

It is also very quiet outside, most people are inside or are still travelling from work to home. I can hear a train passing in the distance, hearing the railroad crossing sound. Even in this day and age of technology, the good old train is still in use, albeit a bit faster. 

   

Approaching the front door of the hotel, I swipe my hand in front of a display. The sliding doors open and I enter the building after making sure to wipe my shoes on the doormat. 

 

At that moment a female android approached me. She is dressed in what I believe to be a red and white coloured kimono, it only adds to the mysterious feeling I had...I am definitely not in New London anymore.

 

After politely bowing for a few seconds to me, she asks in perfect British English  "good evening Mr Andrews, welcome to our ryokan." (=old style hotel). "I am called Akemi. Might I inquire if you had a pleasant journey?"  

 

I think she would sound better in Japanese, but this is indeed convenient. 

I replied "good evening miss Akemi, yes thank you very much, nothing to complain about, really." Somehow I felt the need to be more polite, even though it is just another android again. Her intonation and gestures just feel natural, if that makes any sense.

 

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She smiles politely and continues "please take off your shoes and put on these slippers." I did as she asked. My shoes were put aside and I was then asked to follow her.  

 

Arriving at my room, she prepared my cosy-looking futon (old-style bed) on the floor and asked if she should bring a meal. I bowed a bit in agreement and said "yes please".  She bowed again and gently closed the sliding door of my room.  

 

"Man, I feel better already. She is so polite." I could not stop a smile from forming. This trip might have been a good idea after all. 

 

I looked around in my room and breathed in the atmosphere. It was very authentic looking and relaxing indeed. Every element is perfectly balanced, tatami mats to lie on, a real futon, a polite android. A small garden right outside my window, the starry sky, perfection indeed. 

 

After eating a traditional meal, and more than I should have, the android returns to collect everything. "Have a nice evening Mr Andrews", she almost whispers, taking care not to disturb the other guests.  

 

After watching some local television, I took a shower, brushed my teeth, put on my pyjamas and prepared for the night.

 

At my command, the lights dim and I make myself comfortable in the warm futon, while looking outside into the  starry night sky. 

 

Suffice to say that I slept very well indeed that night.

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