There were  Odysseus   ( who Homer in Greek mythology said traveled 10 years, mostly at sea, trying to return from the Trojan War ) and   Phileas Fogg   ( that Jules Verne character played by David Niven in a 1956 film who traveled around the world ), so our five-week trip to Japan was not particularly adventurous.  While most of our journey was indeed wonderful, there were some disappointing moments.  Yet, the best part of these long expeditions is returning home. After my wife passed away 14 years ago, I traveled the world several times, partly to drop off her ashes at monumental sites.  There were  MUGA 2013  ( by click on that, you can access every day of my 51-day global adventure ) and  GAWA 2015  that were exceptional. But since early in 2019, there has been a travel partner, who makes the experience different and better.  I generally keep her out of this blog by request, but in my advancing years, I need all the help I can get, plus there are added benefits. Our combined cruise

The big news of the day is that  Israel and the Hamas reached a deal to release 50 civilian women  and children held in Gaza .   Details on equivalent Paletinian prisoners are being worked out, but 150 women and children could well be in that mix.   There will also be a four-day pause in fighting.  Thank Qatar, especially lead negotiator and Minister of State, Mohammed Al-Khlaifi, plus Egypt and the White House.  Photo above. Additionally, an average of 42 aid trucks per day have been going into Gaza through the Rafah gate since October 21. Israel remains recalcitrant and indicated that there will be continued warfare until ALL hostages are returned. Big day for Joe Biden. The overwhelming relief to the above is that expanded hostilities seem now to be unlikely, and the path to a two-country solution appears on the horizon. So back to our Japan Rail Pass.  I mentioned yesterday that all we saw were banks of clouds when our Bullet Train passed where Mount Fuji is sometimes seen.  Four y