8/3/2005 that night 52km of biking Monday, about 30km of walking Tuesday, and another trial today. Maybe I should just swim the Kammon Straits, or hell, the why not the Pacific, to complete the adventure. Today I planned an early trip to the beach... but when I stepped outside and felt the heat I changed strategy. Main goal: stay in AC. So I went shopping again. I had shopped the day before too, but didn't actually buy anything. This time I was looking for a yukata for Deb and some trinkets for friends if I happened upon anything obvious. Buying the yukata was an experience... I don't think they are accustomed to men shopping at all, let alone buying women's clothing. The fact that I'm a pretty rough looking gaijin by Japanese standards just made it even more awkward. One thing most Japanese can't manage to do, is to talk simply, and use gestures. I think they are always trying to be proper, but that doesn't help when I know about ten phrases in Japanese. I certainly can't parse the question out from the lengthy pre/postamble. I wish they would just talk like American Indians, as potrayed in the movies. "You roundeye, heap big ass. Need size LL." Later, on the subway I did my part for east-west relations by giving up my seat for some Japanese woman. I was merrily rocking out to my tunes, so it wasn't like I was trying to hit on her. I had to convince her to take the seat. A few stops later enough passengers had disembarked that I could again sit down. When she did get off the train she came over and made a point of getting my attention and thanking me. So, while I'm not doing anything to help dispell the idea that were are unfashionable and sweaty, at least someone thinks we're polite. The subway took me to Mienohama, which was about 2km walk from the ferry. The ferry ride was cool, and was only 440