After all, I had Inspector Montalbano to keep me amused.
I caught up with Madam and an online acquaintance in the coffee shop at the Hilton.
I induced a minor dose of excitement by announcing Gamba Osaka soccer team’s luggage was being unloaded in front of the hotel.
I started reading, taking a break every so often to wander around, deftly avoiding be suited fit-looking Japanese scattered around the premises and talking animatedly into mobile phones.
We walked across to Gouger Street for yum cha, and caught up with one of Madam’s ex-colleagues over a gelato.
Then, thanks to an unexpected offer of a lift to the airport, found ourselves cooling our heels waiting for check-in to open.