Scenes from Japan

The Big One is wrapping up a two week stay, bouncing from Tokyo to Osaka to Kyoto. He and Erik have curated a unique adventure by having loose ideas of things they'd like to do, surrounded by the whims of the day. They have had continuous grey weather. Quite cold (lots of snow) and quite rainy. Fortunately they are both bright-eyed, optimistic types so it hasn't stopped them from making the most of it. 

The fun bit is that I can see Brett's location through his phone. So at any point during my evening, I can look at a map of town and see that they have visited such and such museum, or are dining at this establishment. One time I checked it and they were at a barber shop. They seem to explore a town with no logistical strategy. In a six hour span, they've hit parts of town in all cardinal directions. There's no, "let's go to this part of town today, and go to the west side tomorrow." It's seems more likely that they are looking for attractions while eating lunch. "There's a sumo experience an hour away!" So onto the train they go, and I receive photos like this:

I receive email updates on their trip around noon my time. This is when they have come back to their hotel for the day and are winding it down. Brett's captain's log will be abundant but vague. "We were cold so we went to a hot spring - I've got a story to tell you about that. Then we found a great hole in the wall sushi joint!" Sometimes I write back an adrenaline filled report about my quiet life here with the pets, but other times I just wait to see when I'll hear from him - like the olden days of carrier pigeons. "I doth wonder on the whereabouts of my beloved." Then I'll churn butter a hope not to die an old maid.

They did go get their hair cut...together. They've visited temples, shrines, and museums. They have hiked in the mountains, taken some tours, taken a cooking class, gone to a baseball game, but mostly, they are eating things. Lots and lots of eating. I mostly get pictures of food. "You won't believe this miso soup! It's the best I've ever tasted. Nothing like what we get at home."

Pre and Post haircuts. I'll allow that Erik needed it.

My life here without him has been very quiet and extremely repetitive. Living alone really makes you realize how many of the exact same actions you take everyday. Here I am eating again. Let's check the mail again. Oh look, more dishes. 

This is all the same even when he's here, but I guess it's the talking out loud to someone that makes it so fun. 

I can't wait to see him!