This week's post is dedicated to my friend Susan who has been living in Japan. Because she shares my passion for travel and cultural immersion, we unfortunately don't see each other very much.

I miss you Smoosan.

This is an excerpt from her last update:

"An interesting part of the shrine had two pedestals topped with small boulders. The idea is, you make a wish and then lift the boulder. If it’s lighter than you anticipated, you will get your wish. Sadly, due to my lack of judgement and the unusual strength of the little octogenarian who preceded me in line, I regret to inform you all that the cause of world peace is hopeless. That is if Inari has anything to say about it. Er, my bad."