Departure

Press Conference for Flight of Friendship

The moment is here.  Pre-boarding has started, a small, intimate reception and press conference to share the where, what and why of this trip.  The cameras roll on.

Friendly faces, some with a dazed look as many of the group have actually never been to Japan before.   High school students, nuclear engineers, city officials (Let 'er Buck!), students, artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, reporters, even an EMT and a bunch of other excited private citizens.  Getting to know people who were once strangers to me in a common venture that will create an unbreakable bond.  The anticipation we feel now will stay until we arrive in Sendai in a couple of days, and until then we will thrive on the energy of getting to know all the other personalities sitting, standing, squatting, sleeping next to each other.

Tiny origami cranes adorn everyone and everything that may help carry the message of hope in a form that the Japanese understand only too well.

There is no festive atmosphere, we realize we are doing something different, but then, that's what this region is known for and proud of.

We bring a little Portlandia, a little Vancouver, USA, a little cowboy and a lot of spirit and smiles.

And for those of you interested in the "where" I will endeavor to keep this interactive map up to date with our adventures and stories.

Final boarding now, see you in Japan.

Sean