Places on the map now have faces

Before my trip to Fukuoka, my walk across Japan was mostly a route. 3,000 kilometres. Cities I did not know. Places to stay. A language to learn.

I came back with people to look forward to seeing again. People who welcomed me, shared their knowledge and took an interest in what I am trying to do.

Some even committed to walking part of the way with me.

Now, Aso means people I will celebrate my birthday with. The crossing from Kyushu to Honshu means walking with Lawrence. Kobe means meeting again @kerekerehouse2020. Other towns mean people waiting for an Instagram update so they can join me as I pass nearby.

My Japanese is still a struggle. Words I should know sometimes disappear when I need them. But I made progress, and learning feels different when I can imagine the people I want to speak with.

The walk is still months away. Much will happen that I cannot anticipate.

But the Colive Fukuoka event gave me something planning alone could not: a feeling for the life waiting along that route.

I went to prepare for a walk. I came back wanting to return to people.

The Perspective Shift

We often imagine our future through what we want to do. Meeting the people who could become part of it can change how much we want to get there.

I still have 3,000 km to prepare for, but now, when I look at the map, I also see reunions, conversations and days I cannot wait to experience.

Walk your talk,
Franck

P.S.:

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