I invite all participants to record here you initial thoughts about Elmira 2013... as a mean of processing our collective experience. For me: --Many thanks to Barb and all the staff for a great event. --I'm blown away by the vigor and commitment of the Japanese Twain community. Many of them traveled up to 18 hours or more to be in NY for the show. My thanks for their diligence and contributions to the fine program. In addition: I felt like the memorial for Prof. Nagawara (whom I called the Henry Nash Smith of Twain studies in Japan and mentor to many of our colleagues) was one of the poignant highlights of our gathering. Nagawara-sensei's story is compelling: he miraculously survived the Hiroshima attack, in which many in his immediate family were killed, and yet went on to become an advocate and huge fan of one of our great American authors. What an amazing life! --Sunset on the porch at Quarry Farm on Saturday = priceless. --Mainly, it's about seeing old friends; but that's just me. (There were some good papers, too!) Cheers (and Otsukare-sama deshita!), --Hal B. -- Prof. Harold K. Bush Professor of English 3800 Lindell Saint Louis University St. Louis, MO 63108 314-977-3616 (w); 314-771-6795 (h) <www.slu.edu/x23809.xml>