Good bye…

Have fun and stay safe out there.

Have fun and watch out for those big boulders!

"Well I'm off for a few trips and adventures. Might be back in a couple weeks, maybe more."

I'll be looking forward to some good pictures and a few lies to embellish them. ;)

Have a great trip!

enjoy your time away, Nick.

Have a great, safe trip Nick!

Are you and Roger trying to rub our noses in the dirt for having to work through the summer?
I wish I could go with either of you- have fun be safe.

I will be leaving on a trip sometime in the near future. Just thought I would let you all know as I suspect it will affect your life in some meaningful way.

I have several trips planned for the near future.

I'll make up for it when I get back.

It'll be like I was never gone!

I'll be sitting at my desk for the next few weeks. Safely hidden away from prying eyes, while all of you are out there roaming the wilds. Have a fire waiting for me if I get back. You never know about those domestic dust devils and indoor water sources.

Have a safe and unforgettable trip, Nick!

Are you teaching over the summer?

David, yeah. Japan doesn't have summer-long breaks like in North American schools. I do, luckily, get 3 three weeks off in August, so better than nothing. My school is pretty miserly compared to most universities in Japan, who get a month or more off. That said, most of the non-teaching staff at my school (the office staff and custodial workers) get a mere three days summer vacation, and since most Japanese also work on Saturdays, I really can't complain. I don't know how the Japanese keep it together. Everyone is always exhausted and locked in this hellish 9 to 10 routine, including very long, sardine-can train commutes… and they all complain about it. Thing is, give most of them more than a week off and they have no idea what to do with themselves. I know what I'd be doing !!!. Nick's definitely got the right idea!

Time to return stateside? Time is too short….