J236 – 8/10/2006

Left, then right, then left again … That’s the way the day proceeded between villages and countryside, boxed in plains and mountains.  Serge was like a yo-yo: He was going up and down and each time he had to find the impetus to get to the next peak, low as it might be (1,450 meters for the Daimon Pass, then a descent of 1,000 meters, only to go 500 meters higher and descend to the gates of Nagano).

The organization of Serge’s arrival gives him a lot to think about.  He likes to know all the details of everything and he wants the arrival to be on a level with this challenge, which no doubt will be the last episode of his run across all the continents.  It will be an arrival full of emotion, of joy, of people, a happy end to be shared with as many as possible.

At the risk of being a wet blanket, it has to be said that we aren’t yet at the finish.  The race will end with the last stride.  We must not drift off and let the objective get out of focus, even when the goal is so close.  As many of you have reminded us, Tokyo is just a stone’s throw away.  Some of you have also suggested that Serge won’t be able to stop there, that he must have other projects in mind.  There I have to stop you right away: Serge has a head full of projects but I say stop! And I play my trump card.  It’s like cooking: bring to a boil — lower the heat — then let simmer.

To return to August 10th, our subject today, Serge’s steps took us to the edge of a lake where several groups of youngsters were jogging and doing exercises.  Once school is over (July 28), the high schools organize sporting events all over the country for all the different sport. It was because of a baseball tournament that all the hotels in Osaka were full.  Since that time we regularly pass busses of kids who are staying in hotels.  Uniforms are mandatory and everyone wears the insignia and colors of his/her school.

As for Serge, he is proud of his day and wears a grin from ear to ear.  He is even in the mood for a hair cut and to say a few words:

“I dedicate this day to two exceptional women: to my sister, Zette, whose Saint’s day is on the 7th, and to Laure who’s Saint’s day is today.”

It’s true, both of us are angels!