A Restless Night in Fukuoka
It was 1 a.m. on August 24th at JAM Hostel in Fukuoka. I was too excited to sleep—only about an hour in total. The reason for waking up so early was special: Koshiro, a fellow traveler who runs a guesthouse that gathers adventurers like me, had ridden nearly 100 kilometers on his motorbike from Shimonoseki just to see me off. He invited me to share one last bowl of ramen before I left Japan. I felt deeply grateful as we met and rode together to Nagahama Ramen.
The Last Ramen Before Departure
I wanted to savor this final bowl—the last taste of home before heading into the unknown. Even in the still hours before dawn, the shop was full of energy. A mix of local and foreign staff moved quickly and smoothly, making the ordering process easy.
When the ramen arrived, it felt like a small reward after the anticipation. The flavor was light and comforting, easy to eat, yet full of warmth. Each bite reminded me of countless ordinary days in Japan that had quietly shaped my life. Finishing the bowl, I felt a tinge of sadness. This was truly the last ramen I would have in my homeland.
Setting Out for Fukuoka Airport
After breakfast, I loaded my bicycle and trailer and set off for the airport. Arriving much earlier than needed was a relief. I had heard that some counters could get crowded, so being early seemed wise. Around 6 a.m., the terminal was almost empty. The sky was clear, the air crisp—a perfect day to begin a journey into the world.
Getting the trailer to the second floor seemed tricky at first, but the elevator made it possible. Dismantling the bicycle took about thirty minutes. Simple enough. The next challenge was the check-in counter.
Unexpected Ease at Check-In
With all my luggage ready, I approached the counter feeling a bit tense. My main worry was the weight. Oversized luggage can lead to high fees, but to my surprise, there were no extra charges this time. I was lucky.
Given the volume of my luggage, I occupied a single counter for nearly twenty minutes. Maybe the staff were tired from the effort, or maybe it was just how things worked out. Either way, everything went smoothly.
The final task was collecting a mobile Wi-Fi device from Global WiFi. On a long journey around the world, having reliable internet is more than just convenient—it's essential. I felt grateful knowing this small support would keep me connected to the world and the people I care about.
Farewells and New Beginnings
Saying goodbye to Koshiro was bittersweet. He had been by my side since the early hours of the morning. We promised to meet again on a Brazilian beach, and I carried that promise with me as motivation for the road ahead.
With excitement and a sense of courage, I set off into the world. Each pedal stroke carried a feeling of freedom, curiosity, and quiet determination to explore life beyond familiar roads. This was the beginning of something big.
