Travel and Sharing – Ryka Aoki

I am currently waiting for my ride in my hotel lobby. I had no idea I was to be in a hotel lobby. It’s been that sort of a trip so far. Due to bad weather, scheduling difficulties, airline miscommunication, I was laid over in Chicago last night. Not the most pleasant layover. Because we were always waiting for this thing “to happen in a couple of hours” that never did, there was no extended block of time to relax. Some folks were about to lose their tempers–not too pleasant. But what can you do? I mean I am being flown out for a book tour–to meet folks, maybe people who would like to read my book… Kind of amazing, right?

Once we got here, of course, there were problems with my arranged accommodations, which lead to my hosts heroically finding this hotel. Hence the night of showering with Paul Mitchell hair products, and a spectacularly comfy bed–paradise after a cold night at Midway.

At Chicago, I was worried about the Swarthmore reading. I do not function well without sleep. And when my initial accommodations fell through, I did not want the reading to suffer. Luckily, the good folks at Swarthmore were so engaged and giving of their energy and attention–and they asked really thoughtful questions that not only was the reading enjoyable for me, I was able to talk with them into the night.

It’s been a great time getting to know the queer API students at Swarthmore. Thank you to Bryan especially, for their heroic work making everything just work out well. Now, off to Philadelphia!