Shugo Tokumaru

Nearly a year ago, I experienced my first big shock with working on land and housing rights in Cambodia. I had been in the country for about a month by then. I shared that experience with my friend, Paul, who I had dinner with that night, and it resulted in a friendship.

I haven't spoken to Paul in months, but his love of Shugo Tokumaru, a Japanese song-writer, has stuck -- his songs make me a tad happier on days like this. A year later, I remain fascinated by the work, but also I am more entrenched. And it is a long journey, this experience. I'm learning how important it is to draw boundaries from this work and to take time out.