Today we got up around five in the morning and gathered all Kuniko’s gear for her trip. She doesn’t have all that much, actually, and the suitcase was really light. We caught an early train from the station, and on the train ride over Kuniko was starting to get a little apprehensive. I did my best to keep her nerves calm.
We were running a bit late so we caught the bus from Sannomiya, instead of taking the ferry across the Osaka bay. The city donated some tickets for us to use, but since we were short one one-way ticket it worked out well enough to ride the bus. There were a couple of Kuniko’s students on the bus, but we sat in the back away from them and tried to relax.
The airport was packed – I’ve never seen it so busy. All the action was in the departures area, and the lines were the longest I’ve seen. Kuniko and I ended up with a little extra time, so we bought some New Zealand dollars, and had a Starbucks breakfast.
Then it was time to head to the meeting area. There was a big commotion when we arrived because I came along, and so I tried to keep as low a profile as I could. Kuniko was busy right away organizing things with the other teacher that is going on the trip, so I stepped out of the way and talked with a family that I had met at the airport before. Their daughter was in college studying English, so we had a long conversation in English that went really well – I was surprised how smoothly she spoke.
Finally it was time for them to head out, so Kuniko said goodbye and they marched off as a group to check in and get on the plane. Kuniko looked a little overwhelmed as she left, and I have my fingers crossed hoping that everything goes OK.
From there I caught a shuttle bus to the ferry terminal, and caught a surprisingly luxurious high speed boat that raced across the Osaka bay in 25 minutes. Inside the seats were comfortable, the cabin was heated, I had a hot coffee and enjoyed the scenery.
I got home and did some shopping, and also had some good phone conversations with Nancy and Lynn and my father (who is down in San Diego right now working on projects with Lynn), and I also talked with my mom in Glen Ellen.
It’s been a relaxing afternoon. I took care of some laundry and cleaned the house for Yasu, who is coming over late tonight to hang out and play some Wii. Tomorrow I’m going to meet up with Antoine in Suma for a hike, and hopefully the weather will hold up.
From here on out it’s about 12 days on my own with no wife and no job. It should be fun, but it’ll be a little lonely, too. Thinking back to when we first moved in together, there have been only one or two nights where we’ve been apart. This will be an interesting experience, I think…
