Conversations on El Camino

At precisely 2:46pm on Monday, May 19, my world changed.More on that later. Tokyo had a hard time letting us go. My boon of souvenirs from Hands department store exploded all over my sleep capsule as I struggled to get all my trinkets condensed into just two bags. Loaded fore and aft with barnacle backpacks…

I twiddled my thumbs somewhat successfully in the capsule until it was time for us to catch the very crowded (and quiet!) morning train from Narita airport to central Tokyo. We nabbed breakfast at 7-Eleven (my most favorite international convenience store chain, for it has saved me from utter starvation and sorrow multiple times over)…

FRIDAY, MAY 16It's 3:37am. I'm clad in central supply issued smock and slippers, ducking my face behind a locker door in order to conceal my illicit escapade. My eyes dart side to side, wishing my neighbor was still sleeping instead of positioned to spy on my clandestine activity. I know it's against policy, but I…