Day 28: (Rest) Nagano
(08/26/06)

Sometimes it's a little odd being part of this wandering band of Gypsies. We meet any number of strange, interesting people, only to pass through their lives in under a day. We accept the hospitality of others, knowing that it will never be paid back directly, that the best we can do is be hospitable to and future strays and travelers we meet.

Tonight we had a presentation at a Nagano JET welcome party. While it went well, and we even raised some funds from the event, it was strange being a nomad in a setting filled with people reaching out to make connections with each other. After a few hours, I found myself wandering Nagano to get away from it all. Nothing accentuates the feeling of isolation like being in a room full of people connecting to each other. And nothing sooths it as much as finding someone else to be isolated with. Coming back to the bar, I ran into Amy and we whiled away the time eating tofu on the curb outside. Two little Gypsies forced outside by all the light, noise, gaiety, and camaraderie.

The night ended with our band of five sitting on the floor of the shopping arcade, bonding over cheap chocolates. We may be a wandering band, but at least we have each other to share the experience with