Today I was happy to be able to leave my belongings including my kindle at the the table while I went off to the toilet. It’s a small pleasure I can enjoy in Japan. At the same time part of me admonishes me for my recklessness knowing that any other country my belongings would be gone.

I’m often asked if in it’s true that in foreign countries people would steal your bag if you put it down. I’d answer in some countries that’s the case but Australia is different. I answer differently now. knowing what it’s like living in a society that follows the rules to the t, I now say if you leave anything behind it’s probably gone.