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It’s All Too Familiar…

“Everything in this world” – he took my hand as his face became ruddy from the whiskey – “is a process that involves the giving and taking of energy. You should remember that.”

“You may wonder why somebody of my social standing chooses to frequent hostess bars so often,” he said, the alcohol in his system making him more sure of himself.

“Actually” – I looked him in the eye – “I do.”

“At clubs like this I can unload my problems, and then absorb the youthful energy of the young women who listen to me. It’s another process of exchange, you see?”

“I see,” I said.

After seeing the Professor out, I couldn’t help wondering whether this process of “exchange” he spoke of was part of the reason why I was feeling so tired lately. After all, each night I was carrying the burdens of several men-children upon my back. Then, in exchange, they stole my energy. Or more accurately, they were buying it in a perfectly legal arrangement.

Bar Flower, Lea Jacobson

Read more about Lea on her blog Geisha, Interrupted

Another travel article is up, this one on the website Matador Nights

5 Survival Tips if You Have to Travel Hungover

Think of it as my guide to sleepless sightseeing in Kyushu, something I believe I invented… perhaps not. I have been miraculously repatriated and quite busy, but will get to my final conclusions on the Japan experience, “From Shima to Shima”, soon enough. Sorry for the delay.

What kind of runner would I be if I didn’t take time from Bangkok to report on the biggest running event I’ve ever heard of?

On August 31st, runners from 25 different cities around the globe will compete in what Nike has dubbed The Human Race

In America, official races will be held in Austin, New York, LA, and Chicago.

In Japan, the setting will be beautiful Mt. Fuji, of course; make the commute from Tokyo and Osaka.

More than one million are expected to compete in the 10K, so mark your calendars.