A couple of days later and our travel plans may be thrown into disarry with there being some dispute over whether I can actually take leave from work for the entire period. This after we have already paid for some accommodation and fares. I must await a decision on Monday, but if it is in the negative then it is likely that we will have to rebook the Japan leg for later in the year and lose the first class flight from Hong Kong to Osaka, returning to Australia instead. There goes my opportunity to experience a different class of travel…
The uncertainty is depressing because it felt so good to be dreaming about Japan again. Tonight I sat down at my piano and played music from John Williams’ score to Memoirs of a Geisha. I was instantly transported back to our 2006 trip to Japan. I saw the cold grey skies and greyer buildings, but rather than find them dreary I could feel the hot baths inside and be warmed by hot tea.
I am addicted to Japan. In some ways I feel more at home there than in Sydney. I hope this trip works out. Fortunately, I booked the Japan flight separately, so there is a financial incentive to return sometime this year.