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Maybe Nothing

I caught an evening flight to Osaka.

I don't know if I've lost all sense of how to travel or if I've reset and more sensible now than ever, but I left the house for a two night business trip with my briefcase and my backpack. Eri asked me where my suitcase is and I said I don't need it. It got me thinking, though. Maybe I'm forgetting something. I'm so out of the business trip routine.

So far so good though. I think it's fine. 

If I've got my phone I have money and can technically get all of my work done. A number of years ago, when I was interviewing for the job I currently do, I flew up north from Kyushu and plumb forgot to pack underpants. I got into Sendai after most places had closed, but Japanese convenience stores always save the day. I still have those Family Mart underpants. I remember walking up to the counter with that, a steamed pork bun, and a tall can of Asahi Super Dry. I was wondering what that night shift clerk must've been thinking. Maybe nothing.

As is my way, I got a room right next to the airport so I could just walk out of Itami Airport, cross the street, and check in. Thursday morning when I wake up, I will just go in reverse and be back in Sendai by lunchtime.

I walked around the corner to a convenience store to grab a bite for dinner and the kid at the register seemed delighted to see me. Maybe they don't get as many foreign folks these days. He asked me if I'm here on vacation and I thought who would stay in this shady neighborhood by the airport on a vacation. I told him I'm here for work and he asked from where and when I told him he looked confused and excited. He said he's never left Kansai but Sendai sounds cool.

I told him it is.

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