This morning I check out of the Kanto Lodge, turn my base pass in, and go to Shinjuku. I am hoping it will not be a struggle. I have a ride to the Fussa train station, and the hotel is close to the train station in Shinjuku. But the sidewalks are very bumpy, and I have never been to the first hotel I am staying at. I mailed more-way more-than I intended to yesterday. I am glad we got US Post office privileges in the eleventh hour. The pack and ship store proprietor in the BX assured me he could pack wine and sake for mailing, so I trusted him. He and his wife pack things, and they are both Japannese nationals, so I trust them. We will see how it arrives, though. Maybe a soggy box stinking of stale liquor.

I am looking forward to "relaxing" in Shinjuku. No work, no coworkers, no base, no beige painted buildings with the same surfacing materials, no military, no MP's, not camouflage, no bugles. I am not really looking forward to turning my cell phone on at home. There is something nice about being unreachable. You don't worry about too many people trying to call, you don't worry about why no one calls. There are no calls. I will be back in town on Monday morning. I am starting to get anxious to return home. I miss everyone.