(The following entry is from my paper diary, hence the quotation marks. Comments may follow at the end. These are written after the completion of the trip.)
Day 7: Thursday, July 22, 2010. In Sapporo at the YH near Sapporo Station.
"Got up at about 5 and looked for a McDonald's on my unloaded bicycle. Found one at the main crossing in Susukino. Amazingly, for all the changes, I recognized two things unchanged: the Nikka Whiskey sign and the 'mini-zoo' pet shop where I used to often meet Kumiko! Took pictures of both. Next, I went to the old apartment building near Sumikawa Station. The area is completely different. The orchards and gardens are gone and replaced by ugly buildings and car parks. The building itself looks grimy: Kopo Taikei Bldg.
Then I cycled back toward downtown to meet Mr. Kudo and his fiancee. I had met him perhaps at his father's funeral in Tokyo and had seen her.
He suggested a Spanish restaurant in the station. Not bad and I was able to juice up my iphone as there was an outlet next to me!
After lunch we had coffee and said good-bye. A very pleasant meeting. I said I'd like to meet them again in Tokyo and meant it.
Oh, forgot. Before going to Sumikawa Station I found Kumiko Kamo's old home and took some pictures. It's hard to believe I once walked through that door. I still remember it. A nice woman. I hope she found a good husband.
After leaving Mr. Kudo I asked at the hostel for the name of a doctor nearby as I could have my left leg examined. There was one thing that looked like a blood blister from several days ago, but the swelling between the calf and ankle was what concerned me most. No pain when riding, just tolerable discomfort. Anyway, found a doctor near downtown and, as I showed my health insurance card, he took me. However, it was his 'nurse' who looked at the leg. Apparently, they were insect bites, but neither person seemed to comment on the swelling unless I just didn't understand correctly. She rubbed on some ointment and he signed a prescription. I had it filled across the street and picked up some food for tomorrow's breakfast as well.
I ate dinner at an Italian place across from the station's north exit. Very good. Took a picture. Wait, I forgot. As I was lining up a shot of Sapporo Station's north exit earlier Hess Larson, whom I met in Hamatonbetsu, comes across the street. We took our photos and he gave me his card. Wow, what a coincidence.
Back to the story: I went to Kinokuniya to look for a Japanese phrasebook or the such but couldn't decide. Then went back to the hostel. I moved most of my gear to the basement with the bike then went to bed. This trip is certainly organizing me!
Total distance: about 20 km when going to Sumikawa Station."
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