I began to carry a camera with me when I started writing this column. Because my main focus before had been how small I could make my baggage, a camera was the last thing I debated on whether or not to take. But as I came to carry it all the time now, it's strange but I feel like that it is to my disadvantage not to take it with me. Still, I'm not particular about cameras. As long as it's small and takes a picture, I'm fine with it.

I can't leave out maps also. I can manage without a guide book but not a map. If I'm not able to tell where I am I get nervous. I can't get a fix on myself by using a guide book which is just a list of destinations. So, maps are better. I wonder if I'll end up carrying a compass.

I also take a notebook and pencil. I know that there will be something I want to write each day, and, because I like to collect things like brochures and tickets, I put them and everything else between the pages and make a "You can understand everything about the trip only with this book" kind of notebook. Looking at such travel notebooks, it reminds me of the research I did when I was in elementary school. In short, by realizing that I've been doing the same kind of things without getting tired of it since I was an elementary student, I let myself down for not making much improvement.

It is on a plane where I turn to show a typical Japanese side of me, who finds it painful to be doing nothing. Of course, I need something to kill my time in order to make such a long flight comfortable. So I take some books. Those books are always inclined toward one category. I choose the books from my "favorite" field at that time. When I get tired of reading, I spread out a map and imagine how the towns on the map actually look like. Then I write it down on my notebook. I ask for a beer. Then I turn my eyes back to the book again. I can divert myself in doing this.

Because in many cases I stop by to visit someone on the way, I take a little souvenir in my bag. As a matter of fact, choosing what to buy is the fun part. I think that a trip is started already when looking in at a department store and specialty store, thinking what to buy for each friend.

For about ten days, I'll be on my vacation. I've already prepared my camera, map, notebook and pencil, books to read on the plane, and souvenirs for my friends. What else do I need? Well, let's get going.

Translated by Maiko Noda