I’m desperately sorry for anyone that has actually been checking this page, after I talked it up so much. I havent posted in two weeks solid, but I hope to make up for that. Here is a map of my travels for this post for your reference. Nothing too exciting, but still fun. So, first some quick updates.
I got rid of my van. I was going to give it away at the next Really, Really Free Market in Winona, but as luck would have it, there was a touring band coming through that was in need of a vehicle suitable for hauling music equipment and bodies. My van does both of those well. So. They got it. I “sold” it to them for a patch, a poster, and a button. Look for great things from them: From The Depths.
My mom, dad, and younger sister came up on Saturday the 2nd to Winona to help me and AJ move the rest of our stuff back to Eastern Wisconsin. Unending thanks goes out to them for things like that, and the unending support they’ve given me (besides financial) throughout this whole adventure. On Monday I went back to Winona because I had to work the next couple of days. I ended up switching with people so that I didnt work that week, which really helped to have time to square away a few other things. I got to hang out with a bunch of people before I left, like on Tuesday our Bible study crew had a cookout up at the Goodview beach and on Wednesday some people came out to Ed’s to say a last good bye. It is sad to leave so many behind, both because they are my support and because I think they would have fun coming with me.
On the Thursday the 7th I took the Amtrak into Milwaukee from Winona and Nancy and Kailee (my mom and sister) picked me up at the station. We then went out to Brookfield for a doctor appointment and Kailee and I went to eat while mom was getting her back adjusted. Then we stopped at Rodney’s (my dad) office and said hello. We had a double going away party at my parents’ house on Friday for their neighbors who were returning to Mexico and for myself en route to Japan. Most of my mom’s side came over and fun was had by all. There were fresh margaritas and excellent food, great company and lots of laughter. On Saturday we went to Jeremy’s (my older brother) rugby tournament in Madison, and AJ and I stayed over till Sunday. AJ and I went to the Madison Hostel and got ourselves memberships to Hosteling International and then AJ went to go see her aunt in Janesville and I hung out with Jeremy until we met up with my cousins on my dad’s side and a few other friends for a cookout. It was great to see Yvonne and Brett and my brothers one last time before I left, and like always we had a ton of fun.
Sunday night AJ and I made our way up to the Cities where we stayed at Nicole’s for a few nights. AJ had to work Monday so she dropped me off at the REI in Bloomington where I met up with Wormwood and Megan, went to Burrito Loco where we scored a free meal and beer thanks to Megan’s gracious supervisor, and then hung out at Megan’s place afterwards. Zach gave me his camping pack. Flat out gave it to me. That kid is amazing. He saved me 200$ and I definitely wouldn’t have been able to manage the rest of my trip without it. A blessing of a friend.
Me and AJ were able to hang out on Tuesday which was awesome. She had a half day but afterwards we met up ran around doing some errands, and then later went to Galactic Pizza with Nicole and got some dinner. Dinner meaning a 14″ The Galactic and a pitcher of Irish Amber. Mmmmmm. Oishii! I’m super excited for AJ to get rolling on her own adventure to S. Korea to teach elementary school English, she was very unhappy at Shop NBC and always seems to be at her best when she’s having adventures or traveling. I miss her lots but I think this year is going to work out great for both of us!
On Wednesday morning I met 3 strangers and we headed west. That deserves its own post, coming soon. I’m in Narita, Japan right now, which is about an hour east of Tokyo, and 11 hours by regular train from Akita where I’ll be going to school. I’m staying with an english teacher from Quebec, by the name of Olivier Leroux. This kid is amazing, great heart, speaks 4 languages, and makes some mean eggplant. I’ll catch up from Minneapolis to Vancouver in the next post and then I’ll get into Japan, as they each deserve their own time. As for now know that I’m in good hands and getting along fine!
Paz y Amor.
