In Japanese the word “Sayonara” which is cheekily used in English as a substitute for “bye” is actually a stronger word than the way we use it. “Sayonara” actually means “goodbye” with the intention of not seeing one again for either a long time, if at all. Hunkered down for the long flight, I resolved myself to use another expression, mata kondo ne or “until next time” because I know I’ll be back and that’s more than I can say before. Much more.