(I am Robin Modlin, a friend of Ana, Isa and Andrew for almost 20 years. I was invited to go on this trip to Japan to support my friends in their endeavor to raise awareness about organ donation, transplant and cystic fibrosis. I am also mother of another friend of theirs, 28 year old, Anna, who lives with cystic fibrosis and the hope of one day having a successful lung transplant.)
Day 8
My final morning was spent with Ana and Naomi sharing a traditional Japanese breakfast in a lovely room in the hotel. My room and breakfast were compliments of Mr. Adachi, a kind gift. This was such a good way to wind up this part of my trip. The food again was excellent with the decorative lacquered bowls and implements holding rice, small bits of fish, pickles, egg, seaweed, a bowl of miso soup with strips of tofu and a light egg custard. All the flavors were subtle and distinctive.
I walked with everyone to the ticket booth of the train station and said goodbye and was off on my own. I decided to go for a walk exploring the city a bit. First I started to acclimate myself going home and went into a Starbucks, sorry, yes I did. I really wanted a good cup of coffee. It was Starbucks with all the trimmings but all in Japanese, familiar, but not. The coffee tasted very good as I strolled into the down town. I found a Daiei department store and walked right in and onto the escalator but was followed by a navy blue uniformed woman speaking to me in Japanese. I entered the store before it was officially open and had to leave. It was a bit funny and just a reminder that this is a foreign country and I did not know what I was doing. She escorted me out and I waited 5 more minutes until the store was indeed open. I found a few more little things to buy as gifts.
My bag was packed and definitely over weight with all my stuff that I brought and did not need as well as Isa’s bagpipes and goodies but I headed out bold and determined that there were would be no issue with finding my way. The train rides were uneventful. I purchased a bento box at the Sendai train station for lunch and enjoyed some of the exotic samples as another way to say good-bye. Food is such an important way to get to know a culture of people. At the Tokyo station and at Narita airport I grabbed even some more goodies for the girls. Flying home I was tired but happy and felt the trip was successful, meaningful and fun.
I am home now. Thank you for listening to my story about this trip. I wanted to share with you this special journey as we hope it will be a story that many will know about and in that way spread awareness, understanding and hope to people with cystic fibrosis and those waiting for transplant. May everyone on the Japan Tour be well and touch more hearts. Arigato. Thank you.
Robin
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