Entries this day: Jesse Natalie TJ_Bike at_mickey_Ds first_night

Jesse

11:48am JST Monday 03 April 2006 (day 13158)

While I packed, Jesse tried hard to get me to see the error of my ways and become Christian, complimenting how far I've come in my determination of the nature of God, but suggesting that I should follow the teachings of the one man/entity/diety who said he is God.

I am still certain Christianity is flat wrong (as are all other religions that say we should worship anything), but he gave me a little itty bitty teeny bible and said I should read the Book of John.

We'll see how that goes.

Natalie

3:47pm JST Monday 03 April 2006 (day 13158)

Finally finally got my shiznit packed, and got out of Jesse's. On the way, I looked for a phone to call ahead to confirm Natalie would be available for lunch. Feeling scared and blown by the wind (literally) with TJ Bike weighed down significantly, I ended up stopping at a grocery store, and happened to see an American; he let me use his cell phone, for which I was quite thankful.

Shoulda given him my URL, but I didn't think of it. Plus, I'm not actually sure where my cards are.

- - - -

Made it to 高田馬場（たかだのばば）at 12:15pm, and sat outside with Liz for a bit because Nat had just gotten in (sick today, so she (apparently) skipped the morning meeting). We got foodage (and she bought me some chocolate for the road) and ate out in the park, which was a good idea in theory, but we got swamped with other Peace Boat staffers, and didn't get to gossip as we had planned. ah well.

Dropped her back off at the office and slowly headed out, after buying a map-book down the street. Carl walked with me to do that, and gave me lots of kudos on the apparent courage / craziness of my trip.

Now lemme get this straight:  you've got $200 to last 20 days, you
have no idea where you're going to sleep, and you don't actually know
how to get to Kyoto.  Dawg, that is awesome!!

Mr Dan was also there, so he, Carl and Phil came out to see me off; I felt really happy and supported and empowered. Phil took photos of us 3027 guys and TJ Bike.

TJ Bike

19:07pm JST Monday 03 April 2006 (day 13158)

In McDonald's in 町田市,小川 according to the receipt. According to my maps, and traveled 35km from 高田馬場, and an extra 15km if I count from Jesse's to 高田馬場, though I perfectly back-tracked, so my net distance today is 20km.

When I arrived here, super hungry, I asked the guy what had the most calories/energy, and he suggested the double meat thing for 250円. Chowed, told him I'm going to Kyoto and got a free ice coffee as a result. Chugged it down to get rid of it without tasting much, then ate the rest of the chocolate from Natalie to cover the coffee taste.

at mickey Ds

8:12pm JST Monday 03 April 2006 (day 13158)

I'm writing this entry to give a bit of props to the manager at this McDonald's for the free ice coffee, letting me use the electrical outlet, and running around to get me set up on their wireless internet connection. It is definitely most appreciated.

If I am able to get connected, I might be here for a while. In any case, I'm going to ask him how I can give him props: buy a sandwich, write a comment form, etc.

8:15pm JST Monday 03 April 2006

D'oh; that didn't last long. He's unable to get the password. But he did try to find a local park where I can snooze, but came up empty, but told me this area has had some incidents, so isn't exactly safe. I'm sure his idea of incidents is quite minor, but I'll keep it in mind when looking for a place to snooze tonight.

8:38pm JST Monday 03 April 2006

I filled out a questionnaire, giving all positives and thanking the manager for answering my questions about the area.

へた日本語ごめん：
マナジャはすごいおつかれさま。
この場所たくさん質問を答えてくれた。
ほんとにありがとございます！

8:57pm JST Monday 03 April 2006

I'm a bit paralyzed with the anticipation of how cold it will be outside; I don't really want to go freeze my booty off. But it's time to go go go.

first night

darktime (月) 03 April 2006

(transcribed from book)

According to the map, from Takadanobaba, 35km traveled. From Jesse's, an extra 15km backtracking.

Slept a few hours in my tent near a river on the border of Atsugi-shi, maybe 10 or 15km from that McDonald's. I can't find my light, and can barely see what I'm writing. Today I discovered that while there is nothing like finding unclaimed money on the sidewalk, there's definitely nothing like finding unclaimed chocolate on the sidewalk! I found two pieces, one wrapped and the other ready-to-eat.

More sleeping now.