Summer is the time for fireworks in Japan. People look at them for hours on hot August nights and wonder at the beauty of these perfect little explosions. Recently I pass my time eating dinner, receiving a present, and saying goodbye (in that order) to everyone I ever met in Japan. It is all a bit of a formality. My brain doesn't really realize that I am saying goodbye for a long time until after I am gone. The tears usually come a few miles down the road or after a few minutes up in the air. Until then, I am enjoying eating some nice food and passing the time of my last week in Japan. I should spend my time worrying about more concrete problems, like how to get everything I own into two suitcases so that I can carry it to Hawaii.