The answer, is, of course, endure. We boarded the flight, only to be told there was a fuel leak, and had to deboard, wait 3 hours, and then reboard. Waiting is not something the human temperament ever wanted for. 13 hours stuck on a 747-400, not knowing whether I should be sleeping, reading or watching movies. In the end, I chose none, and am now thoroughly distraught, agitated and smelly. The guy who sat next to me was actually quite interesting. That’s three shots continuously – god, I hate business class. He grew his hair long so he could look like an Indian (feathers, not dots) and drives a cab in Chicago. Converted Buddhist of 20 years, he is enroute to some temple in Tokyo. He tried to enlighten me. I questioned whether the misogynism inherent within Buddhism has a place in modern society, and why American cars were so indisputably dire. A reasonably articulate response surrounding the merits of self progression, something that Christianity (he was a failed Catholic Priest) sees no reason to pursue, and the merits of following a philosophy in lifestyle rather than in passive agreement. Flattery was the method of engagement for conversion. He argued that my spirit and mind, descending from generations of learned Hindus, was at an advanced stage of enlightenment, ready to embrace Buddhism. Sod that.

Just boarded the Express train from Narita to Tokyo, and called Tony from the station. “Welcome to Japan. Go home, get some sleep, and meet me at the train station at 8am tomorrow.” And so it begins.