I have opted to take the night off. I really hope my decision is honored as a majority of my decisions haven’t been honored on this trip.

It was supposed to be an easy-peasy day. We were supposed to go to the Fushimi-Inari shrine in the morning before visiting the magnificent Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and then that’s it. Mom wanted to head to Nishiki Market. At first, I was looking forward to it except now, my pain has returned and it’s escalating.

No matter how much pain medication I take, my aches just seems to escalate. I don’t think I can even take another day of travel unless it’s sitting on a train for the day. I know I should be enjoying the trip right now but I’m not, not even one bit. My shoulders are crying in pain. I can’t lift my arms, I can’t even bend down to tie my shoelaces. My heels are screaming with every step I take and my lungs hurt with every breath I take.

It’s funny that people told me I would love Japan right before I departed but what I’m feeling is the opposite. Right now, I’m probably the only person in the entire universe who is not in like with a country where:

• Every street is free of garbage
• The public restrooms are most likely the cleanest in the world
• It’s normal to see people sweeping the streets with a broom in the early morning hours
• It’s normal to see people walking down streets under an umbrella on a sunny day
• Gardens exist in the smallest, improbable places

Japan is actually the most amazing place in the world but I haven’t been able to enjoy it one bit. The people, the weather, my mom, and the pace of the trip is making me wish I’ve never agreed to come on this trip.

I’m glad my decision was honored. My leash was loosened. Mom had agreed to let me off tonight while she went out with her friend.

At last!

As much as I wanted to just relax at the hotel, I couldn’t. My first order of business was to change some currency. I wanted to change some money last week since there are a few places in Japan that still only take cash but mom said I don’t need cash. How in the world does she know what I need? Why don’t I need cash?

So, first order of business, cash. Second order of business, get an IC card. Again, I wanted to get this the first day I arrived in Japan but haven’t been able to being on a leash. The IC card is a rechargeable card used around Japan. It’s better than needing to buy tickets with cash every time before riding the train. Mom said we don’t need it, which, again, why?

After getting the card, I went to the restaurant I wanted to try and had a meal to myself. Meal time has been an absolute nightmare because mom doesn’t like any of the food. She spent 45 minutes trying to decide what to eat. I could’ve eaten during that time but, no, I had to walk with her to every restaurant and hear her complain about the food.

I had a bowl of cold beef Udon, a perfect meal for a hot and humid evening. It was something I’ve been wanting to try ever since arriving in Japan and was completely surprised.