Well I’m back in Canada. I would love to say my trip home went off without a hitch but that is hardly the case. I flew United from Tokyo and had a transfer in Chicago on my way to Toronto. I arrived on time in Toronto to find that only one of my cats had turned up. I had to wait for about two hours to be told that the cages had arrived and then I went to the over sized baggage room to find the kennels strewn amongst golf clubs and skis. I picked the cages up and one was empty. There was no one around at all to help me and I couldn’t get anyone to give me any type of explanation at all. We stayed there until 2 in the morning trying to get answers but got none. I headed back to the airport at 7:30 the next morning to speak to the general manager of United. He is supposedly looking for Jack now but I don’t know what to think. I just want the cat back. I am not sure how long to wait either. I am thinking about it but I really don’t know. I had a very ridiculous time with the personnel at the airport as well. They could offer nothing in the way of an explanation and couldn’t even confirm if the cat had died on the flight or if he had been on the fight at all. Some Korean travelers reported seeing a cat escape in Chicago but it was caught and returned to its kennel. There were other cats flying that day on my flight but I feel it must have been Jack. He is very cunning. Tomorrow more phone calls will be made. I don’t know what else to do right now. Every morning, I wish I would wake up to a phone call with them telling me that they have found him and I can just drive down and pick him up. A few days ago I was walking home from returning the rental car and I saw a large stripy cat that look just like Jack at our door. And just for the briefest second I called out Jack. But it wasn’t him of course. I was so upset. But wouldn’t that be the best thing in the world to come home and find that he was just there sitting and waiting for me? I can’t believe that he is lost. I would happily give up my entire luggage as lost forever instead of having this happen. I just hope that he was actually stolen by someone instead of just wandering around. As angry as I would be to know that he was taken by someone, at least I would know that he was safe and being taken care of. Anyways, I think the Record is going to do a story on it so if people are in the airport they will at least look for him.

Here is a run down of my final days on Japan. It was incredibly hot and I didn’t get in the traveling I thought I might. I don’t mind though. I will do it when I go back next year on a holiday. I had a lot of final tasks to complete before going home which kept me busy. I stayed with my friend Ross for about a week and half and he helped me get things done which was great. I went out almost every night and had a great time with my friends in the final days as well. We went up to Nagano city, down to Tokyo for a night and also made it down to my favourite swimming hole in Nojiri. I had a great time with the new Active English School people. It doesn’t matter how long you will get to know people you can have a great time and keep in touch. I felt bad that I hadn’t spent more time with those guys before. You guys are awesome! Ross, you’re a pro for letting me stay with you! Much thanks! I hope I wasn’t too much trouble. Ha ha.Overall I am happy to be home but it is strange. My stomach was upset all the time for the first 5 days but I am feeling better now. I have a driver’s license again, I am on my way to getting health coverage and visa applications have begun. I am worried about losing all the Japanese I know and trying to get adjusted to the jetlag. I think it is going to be a very fast couple of months back in Canada and I am going to try and get the most out of them. We are headed off to Halifax in a few weeks to visit Aunt Sandra for the first time in my life which should be good fun. I am greatly looking forward to that. In the mean time, I will just continue to unpack, look for the cat and await the arrival of all boxes sent by ship. I am trying not to begin every sentence with “In Japan, blah blah blah…” sorry to everyone for about one month because I just need to get it out of my system. I will continue to write posts and put up pictures of what I get up to while in Canada so keep checking back every once in a while. These photos are of Jack-chan (I miss you buddy), me leaving Shiojiri station for the last time with my fingers crossed. Then there is the cats on the train. I had to stand between the cars with them because the cry all time when in their cages. It was a a little over four hours of this to get out to the airport. Then there is Vic at my parents place in Canada where I am now staying. As you can see he has turned to drugs to help him deal with the loss of Jack. That is the catnip toys basket he is rolling in. Then we've got the Active kids and my final trip to Zenkoji in Nagano. And finally the core members of Active: Dana Charity and Ross. Poor Chaz, you try and keep those boys in line. I miss you guys!