Tonight marks the occasion of our farewell party in Morioka, and the official end of our program. Simply stated, it truly was the experience of a lifetime. My thanks to the Rotary family in both America and Japan who helped make this trip a reality and to our team leader Andy, and teammates, Alisha, Erin, and Aimee for enriching the experience with your companionship.

To Takashi-san:you organized a wonderful program full of fun surprises—Domo, Domo, Domo!

My one regret: I wish I could share some sake and laugh about my Japanese adventures with my late friend Steve Medley, who was so excited about my being selected for this program. Thank you, Steve. I miss you.

Shad arrives tomorrow and we’re off to explore Kyoto for three days and then we move to Tokyo for a couple of nights. Shad, as seen here displaying his expert swordsmanship, is very interested in learning more about the Edo (samurai) period in Japan while I am looking forward to NOT eating anymore.

I’m not sure if I will have internet access until we arrive in Tokyo, so wish us luck—I’ve been well taken care of this past month and I’m a little nervous about navigating in Japan on my own. We might end up in China. If so, please give Jack Bauer a call.