2:42pm:
I’ve made it to the gate without too much incident aside from blowing $80-90 on a seat upgrade to economy. Considering recent tummy troubles I was feeling that an aisle seat would be a good idea. I think it’ll be good anyway– a long flight, a more spacious seat for my large American butt. I’ve got approximately two hours and 1200 yen (give or take) to kill. I had a fair bit more yen but I picked out and put aside some coins for my mom as I think she’ll like them. [ed: I tried to write “Seattle” in Japanese and there’s no way I can figure to try to type that in with current keyboard configuration.] I believe this is Seattle in Japanese. It is what is alternating with “Seattle” on the readerboard at the gate. I bought Pocky (half done already, I hadn’t thought I was that hungry), gum, Qoo and pocari sweat a few minutes ago. A little later I’ll wander further afield to see if I can find anything to do with these last yen. I’m feeling in much higher spirits now – is there anything Pocky and apple Qoo can’t do? (Disclaimer: not including bomb dismantling, brain surgery, and beating Deep Blue at chess).