The Dirtiest Dog
The author boards a 6:30 a.m. bus to Davenport and is caught in a sudden Nebraska state‑trooper drug sweep that targets passengers for marijuana. He befriends a wiry traveler nicknamed Nemises, who hides a blunt and jokes about white‑privilege while the police detain other riders. The narrative shifts to other seatmates—a former inmate named Miguel and a slow‑moving passenger named Gary—illustrating the eclectic, low‑cost, gig‑style community that relies on long‑haul buses. The trip ends in Davenport, where the author’s plans unravel, underscoring the precariousness of informal travel in a patchwork regulatory landscape.
Japan: America's Best Ally?
The author’s walk through Satsumasendai, a modest industrial town in Kyushu, revealed an unexpected charm that prompted a return visit after a brief stop in Kagoshima. While dining at a family‑run sushi shop, the conversation turned to the recent Trump‑Sanae...
Walking Kumamoto
The author spent five days walking ten‑mile sections from downtown Kumamoto toward Minamata, returning each night to a Dormy Inn thanks to Japan’s punctual rail system. Kumamoto, a mid‑size city, provides the full range of tourist amenities without the crowds...