Sometimes, just sometimes, you have to return to your country of origin, and in some cases, when it's not a funeral. The longer you're in Japan, the more enjoyment you experience everyday and the less you think about days gone by. But sometimes it's important, sometimes you have to go back and remind yourself and everyone else you think about them, and that they are important to you. And so, mid-May, I found myself on a fifteen hour flight to the UK. Over Alaska. Then Greenland. Then Scotland (I pointed the flight camera downward and experienced the expected, a view of cloud). Then London. Then four hours in a car.
It was interesting. Beer with a friend I haven't seen for forty two years but it felt like yesterday, local pub and the landlord said "nice to see you again after what, three years?" and so I had a beer and relaxed on the barstool. Ten days of UK rain and cold was enough and so reverse journey, Heathrow and the skies. But this time traveling east. I made the mistake of putting the sky map on and realised I was over the Caspian Sea, squeezed between Russia and Iran (for future readers, both countries at war with others just at the moment). Kind of wish I hadn't looked. But back home. What was 12C twenty four hours ago was now 24C as I stepped onto terra firma.
And now, having just released my jet lag in the UK, am back under its sticky tentacles in Japan. It'll be a few days but I've just slept until 4.00pm. Not a good start but I'll take it. And for anyone who thinks jet lag is just about sleep, it means you usually travel for the enjoyment. People used to think I have an amazing jet set lifestyle, reality, all I saw was the inside of airplanes, hotels rooms and sleepless nights staring at the ceiling. But this visit made me smile. And I got to go to The Cavern Club with my older brother. That was a good day.
And a thank you to James. He didn't make me go, but in a roundabout way reminded me why I should when I could. Thank you.
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