10:30am Seattle:

Alex has been frequently advisingme to ask to make sure whatever train I get on in Japan is the right one. Very frequently. I’ve been wanting to start here in Seattle. “Pardon me, Mr./Ms. Bus Driver... Airport?” “Tokyo?” to the flight attendant, all with an exaggerated air of befuddlement. Things to remember to do at airport: exchange $50 for yen, and transfer around stuff in carry-on so I can put stuff I’ll want during the flight under the seat.