This will probably be my last post before heading out to the states for wedding part deux. We're sending our bags to the airport today. Being able to send my bags to the airport so that I don't have to lug them on the bus is probably one of my favorite services in Japan. I suppose that they might have this service in other places, but I've never seen it anywhere else. I first heard about it when one of my conversation students told my he was leaving immediately for a couple of weeks in Singapore and all he was holding was a tiny hand bag. Being the nosy person I can be sometimes, I asked about his luggage, and he explained that for less than 2,000 yen (about $20 bucks) someone came to his house and picked up his bags to send them to Narita Airport. He had planned on taking a couple of trains to get there and didn't want to deal with a huge suitcase on the train. I had sent my bags from the airport to my apartment before, but never considered the reverse. Since then I have saved myself the hassle, if not the money, and sent my bags on ahead. This time, my husband and I will take the bus; it's even more crowded and close than the trains. And we'll have to change to the Express train at Shinjuku Station, and that is not a good place to have big bags when you're accustomed to it. Not to mention the amount of stairs.

Anyway, we'll be flying out on Monday, so this weekend will be crazy as I make final preparations for the wedding and try to clean the apartment before we go. I also have to find a plant sitter. From the wedding in October, we received several bouquets of flowers, and some of the greenery from one started sprouting roots, so I planted two of the shoots in an indoor pot. It's still alive! I think if I can keep it that way, it will be a good reminder of the wedding. Something a little different than just having pictures. I wonder what kind of plant it is...hmmm.