In less than two weeks I leave Japan. While certainly sentimental, there are quite a few practical matters that need taken care of before I can leave. Draining the bank account, canceling internet, finishing up work projects, co-op reports, farewell gifts, and of course packing. I hate packing. Why? Well, that’s probably another entire post, but there is one thing that is making it more difficult this time around: our government’s over-zealous and just-for-show aproach to airline security. Thankfully things haven’t reached a point where I have to pack myself in checked luggage, but they’re bad enough that I’ve tried to come up with ways that any of my souvenirs could be construed as dangerous. You never know when they’ll decide I might reign terror with long, pointy chopsticks from my now vast collection. For some clarification, I turned to TSA’s website. (more…)