Just to let you know I have arrived in Tokyo on my first HydraJet flight from London. It took just 2 hours to fly and the seats were pretty good and moulded to my body for extra comfort. The in-seat massage kept me supple and the new interactive virtual reality entertainment was novel. Not as comfortable as the ‘old’ business class and not as luxurious, but the time saving made up for it. The security chip in my arm made customs and immigration a doddle. It only took 12 minutes from leaving the aircraft to getting on the high speed monorail and only another few minutes to arrive at the hotel rail stop. Amazingly my luggage was already in my room and my personal robot butler had arranged for a glass of my favourite wine waiting for me. It speaks good English as well as 192 other languages… it only takes a few minutes to download a new language if needed and surprisingly it even understands my broad Scottish brogue!
Since boarding in London I have only spoken to one person… the only human flight attendant who explained how to get the most out of my flight and where to collect my pre ordered meal. Each seat has an echo style system too… not Alexa but Toshi! She knows everything and lets you know when the toilet is vacant and will even reserve a slot for you so you don’t have to stand outside. Hopefully will have a chance to meet one of the few human staff still employed at the hotel before the end of my stay.
My mobile has been connected to the hotel automated communication system and anything I need can be ordered from that. My meal should be here in about 10 minutes! My sightseeing trips have been organised through this as well and a reminder is sent to let me know transport is on the way. No more missing trips or going to the wrong spot. There is a Toshi in every room too. Very useful to check what’s on and where the in places are and interacts with your mobile to book reservations. That’s progress for you. I haven’t been outside yet but will be soon to experience the driverless cars and buses. We can use this to check in and print the boarding passes and luggage labels for our return trip.
Anyway, looking forward to seeing you when you arrive next week. I hope you enjoy the outward journey as much as I did.
Don’t forget to pre order your meal for the flight and the time you want it served. I have booked your car into the automated car park and valet service at Heathrow. Remember to leave your keys in the ignition as the robots will move your car for cleaning and parking. It’s a pity that the chip reading system in the UK isn’t yet up and running as it would save you at least 40 minutes from check in to boarding. Put the hotel barcode and tracker on your luggage before you leave home. It will mean you don’t have to worry about it till you arrive at the room.
I will be tracking your progress from the time you leave home all the way till I see you. If you need to, ask Toshi to connect you to room 525 at the Ramada Tokyo Centre. If I am out she will reroute to my mobile. No cost for this service believe it or not.
(from Phil)
Travel in 2039 