Okay so I have to tell you about this. You know Mario Kart? The video game? In Tokyo you can literally do it. For real. On the actual streets. You get in a little go-kart, you put on a costume— I went as Luigi, my buddy was a dinosaur— and you drive through real Tokyo traffic. Past Tokyo Tower. Through the city lights. Wind in your face, totally open air, a guide leading the way so you can’t get lost. About 60 bucks. An hour or so. And the best part? People on the sidewalk wave at you. Wave! Like you’re in a parade! I have a photo of the four of us at a red light, in costume, crying laughing. It’s the wallpaper on my phone. It’s been a year. I still smile every time I see it.