August 26, 1990
I knew I was back in Japan the moment I deplaned. The first words I heard, from the woman in front of me as we were walking up the ramp from the plane were, "atsuii." Then, the mugginess hit me. I'd been walking only three minutes when sweat began dripping down my back and I was thirsting for an Aquarius. Luckily, next to a bank of lime green pay phones, a vending machine was in sight. Unluckily, it served only drinks in cups. I bought a cup of Aquarius anyway. I could use some Regain or Tiovita right about now.
The box that the Mac is in is still in one piece. I didn't hear the sound of broken glass when I picked it up, so I'm hoping that the Mac is in one piece, too. The Osaka airport, like Narita, is lacking in simple niceties like elevators. As I stood at the bottom of the stairs with the Mac, the suitcase, and my carryon bag contemplating the ascent, a little old man came up and indicated with gestures that he would help me. He took off with the Mac, so spryly that I couldn't keep up with him. If I had been in any other country I would have thought he was stealing it.
From the Oita airport, I took the airport bus to Kamegawa station and then took a taxi to my apartment. I was home before anyone from the school even knew I was in Japan. The first thing I did was unpack the Mac, plug it in, and turn it on. It is so good to see the happy little Mac face.
Posted by M Sinclair Stevens
August 26, 1990
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He took off with the Mac, so spryly that I couldn't keep up with him.