I couldn’t fall asleep last night, or I should say, this morning. I was reading until 12:30, my eyes were tired but the brain kept going. At 1:30 am, I got out of bed, went to the computer, and paid a couple of bills I had been trying to forget about: out of sight, out of mind. I don’t know when I finally fell asleep, but I had a hard time getting started this morning.

Shirley Sun was waiting for me under the gaze of Confucius, and we went to 27 Seafood, down the street. We had a fairly good conversation this time, better than last week. She told me about her business, showed me some of the advertising she sold, and spent a lot of time talking about different kinds of tea. I wish I could spend more time with her and help her improve her English.

My second stop was the Japan Tourist Bureau to buy my Japan Railpass. I now have all of my frequent flier miles and $525 invested in my upcoming trip. I still don’t know where I will be staying, and I’m becoming uncomfortable about it.

After all that I came back to the apartment. My lack of sleep is catching up with me, so I will beg off going out to dinner tonight.