Memoirs of a Lost Gaijin

Jean Béliveau and I at Starbucks near Tokyo's Yoyogi Station energizing ourselves before our walk. Jean has been walking around the world since 2001 to promote "Peace and non-violence to the profit of the children of the world. He is traveling alone with a three wheeled stroller to carry a bit of food, his clothing, a First Aid kit, a small tent and a sleeping bag. Jean plans to walk across all the continents, from North America to South America, then across to South Africa, up to Europe, then the Middle East, South and Eastern Asia, Australia, New Zealand and finally back to Canada."

I decided to join Jean on his 10km leg from Haijima train station to the city of Hachioji west of Tokyo. Once the staff at Starbucks discovered who Jean is and what he is doing, we became instant celebrities with the staff taking photos with us and serving us free coffee.

Walking with Jean was an amazing experience, as he recounted his experiences all over the world. To find out more about Jean and his walk around the world, please check out his website here.