A Sayonara Party--and a Close Shave(Sun., Sep. 2, 2001)

Note: These log entries cover the days leading to the start of my Aki Meguri. You can read more about the entire experience starting at the Aki Meguri Guide.

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Today was my "sayonara party," with over 60 people gathered in Nippori Minami Koen. (Yes, Kelso*, my party was in South Park.) We did the usual--ate, drank, and were merry.

Then the real fun began. My friends applied trimmer and razor to my head et voila! Now I look even scarier than before.

I'm still packing and cleaning for Tuesday's early departure, so the rest of this page is made up of pictures of the affair. If you came, THANKS! If you couldn't, here's what you missed.

Pre-start Blues: Whine, Whine, Whine(Mon., Sep. 3, 2001)

Note: These log entries cover the days leading to the start of my Aki Meguri. You can read more about the entire experience starting at the Aki Meguri Guide.

I left this entry "as-is," but in fact many of the points here changed drastically. I didn't leave the next day; and I gave up on "pure walking" within the week, and ended up taking trains frequently.

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OK, I'm writing this. I should be cleaning my apartment, or packing, or sleeping. But I just have to write for a minute.

I'm nervous. Scared, worried, frazzled. Those who have been around me the past few years will tell you how seldom that happens.

They say the longest journey begins with a single step. Bullshit. (After tomorrow, I can't say words like that anymore; although the Pilgrim's Vows don't specifically prohibit swearing, it seems inconsistent with the other clean-mouthed practices listed.)

The Big Day? NOT!(Tue., Sep. 4, 2001)

Note: These log entries cover the days leading to the start of my Aki Meguri. You can read more about the entire experience starting at the Aki Meguri Guide.

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After reading yesterday's logbook, I feel like a big cry-baby whiner. But today, I feel much better--despite the fact that I have been unable to leave on the day I intended to.

That's right. The launch has been postponed. The countdown has been suspended, but NOT cancelled. In other words, I won't be leaving today as planned, but tomorrow instead.

My Prayer Routine

[One of the guiding ideas behind my pilgrimage was that I was representing the needs and wishes of others. You can read more about this on my page, "A Mission to the Gods."]

As I travel, I am offering up daily prayers for my friends (and at every one of Shikoku's 88 temples). All of the prayers may be found below.