Ride On Into the Afternoon

Although I have made the bullet train ride from Tokyo to Sendai and back quite a number of times, this time was infinitely different.  First of all, I no longer had possession of a rail pass (which is for tourists only).  Second, which is related to my own vanity, I was not to be seated in the Green Car (i.e., first class) as I usually would be- and, actually, even that first class is now second class, as they have instituted a Gran(d) Class. but if you have ever travelled on Japanese railways, you would know that for the most part it is a smooth ride- often on time and with enough room space for the normal sized person.  And. third, this would be the ride that would take me from being Free Citizen of the World into Citizen of Sendai. Japan.  So, with a mix of emotions, fear and dread and anticipation among the top contenders, and wondering whether I should have a few stiff ones (beer. or. maybe an ice cream), I got on and rode into the late afternoon to my destiny.

It was not bad- I missed my shibori (wet towel) and complimentary drink that they serve in the Green Car. and I was sitting next to an old fellow who snored, but I had plenty fun reading one of the three 1950s-60s manga comics that I picked up in Tokyo.

step right up, young man.

peasant class, this time, "sir"?

i've arrived....the station looks as it ever does