Tokyo a go-go. Mountain pilgramages. White glove service. It's Saturday, people.

Dear Friend,

Once upon a time during the pandemic lockdown of 2020, I sat—in the very same chair I’m sitting in as I write this note—and channeled my feelings of fear, helplessness, and claustrophobia into planning an epic trip to Japan to celebrate my 50th birthday in 2024 with my two best friends (aka The Blanches).

I started by writing this phrase in J…