In the line of questioning to separate me from my money, the children of Cambodia invariable led with, “Where are you from?” I would answer, “Japan.” Most paid no attention, but one clever boy proclaimed, “You are not!” I was humbled by the fact that most of these children spoke better Japanese than I did.

For some reason, there are many Japanese in my new apartment building. I recently met my next-door neighbor, a young Japanese woman, who told me she had just moved here from Tokyo. I told her, “I’m from Japan too.” She politely responded, “oh really.” Obviously, my sarcasm had been lost on her.

A monk at Angkor Wat, Cambodia. If I remember correctly the monks were not allowed to solicit donations but they certainly didn't decline any either.