We saw some land today for the first time since leaving Hawaii. It was just a small island off to the West, but it was exciting. Not however as exciting as the two military encounters we had a short time later. One was a small craft checking us out and another was a close-in flyby from a medium-size Japanese military jet. They did a quick circle around us and then flew off. Just checking us out I suppose. I have been scouting out fun things to do, best coffee, best sushi, onsens, temples, etc.

Excited to actually be in our first international port other than Ensenada. Feels like our trip is now starting and ports will be much closer together. We have had some good lectures on Japanese culture, religion and customs. It’s nice to have some additional context for our time in port. I had one of our inter-port lecturers write a note in Japanese that says “I am allergic to shrimp, crab and lobster” so I can make an honest effort to avoid using my epi pen while here. I know Atty would take great pleasure in jamming it into my thigh, swearing loudly and then repeatedly telling the story about how he saved my life to his friends back home, but I am going to look for alternate forms of entertainment.

We are going to try and go see Hotto Motto Field Kobe (神戸総合運動公園野球場 Kōbe Sōgō-Undō-Kōen Yakyūjō), home of the Orix Buffaloes and Hanshin Tigers baseball teams. Wish it were baseball season!!!

Last look at the weather, it was going to snow, at least in Kyoto while we are here. This is good news. Not only will it be beautiful, but I will be able to use my puffy coat which has been dutifully hanging in the closet waiting to be put into service.

Megan has her 2nd pre-port talk to discuss the medically related perils of Japan. This one should be pretty tame. Don’t get hammered and do something dumb, wash hands and try to avoid getting the flu, and my favorite subject…monkeys. It’s bad if they bite you (rabies), bad if they lick you (herpes) and bad if they smile at you (they’re actually pissed off). Who knew that the most hairball thing you can find is wild rabid temple snow monkeys. Apparently at some point on another voyage a student brought a monkey back onto the ship. It didn’t end well for the student or the monkey.

For the most part, my entire pre-port musical reiteration of Megan’s medical do’s and dont’s is about monkeys and all the heinous stuff that can go down if you are so inclined to engage with them. Sure, don’t look people in the eye for too long, be generally restrained, don’t talk on your phone on the train, some chopstick etiquette, you need a masters degree (and know the language) to operate a Japanese toilet (seriously, sounds like if you push the wrong button you may be peeling yourself off the wall in front of you or the ceiling depending on your selection), but let’s be honest, when am I going to get to write and sing another song about monkey herpes and have people listen to it and clap? Answer: NEVER.