February 22, 2009

Saturday February 22, 2009- 6:53pm

I've just realized that I have been here for over a month! I seem to be adjusting at most levels, which is comforting. Since I've already been here for 4 weeks, it is automatically beginning to feel like home to me. On the other hand, it can still be a bit bizarre. There are certain days where I go a whole day without having a conversation with another person save from "Konichiwa" or "Arigato Gozaimasu." Not necessarily a bad thing, just bizarre. But, I guess that is part of what I was after to a point. I do find a sort of comfort being unknown and all by myself here. I needed it for awhile. I've always been able to find a romantic quality in loneliness. I think people need a dose of it once in awhile (well I do at least). PLEASE do not get the impression that I am locking myself away in my apartment and not involving myself in the community, I am. But, a good bit of the time I am out and about by myself. I love that, but I can imagine that people who have a difficult time being by themselves for long periods of time would struggle greatly with such an experience.

I traveled to Osaka last Saturday for a night out. A few of us ended up in a very crowded club at about 2am and I caught the 530am train back to Okayama. Great time! It was amusing shuffling past businessmen in suits who were taking their escorts back to wherever as I made my way to the train station. There's a very eclectic group of people out at that hour, and the city is still in full force at that time!

Last night I traveled to Saidaiji for the Hadaka Matsuri festival, or the "Naked Men" festival. Who wouldn't want to go to that! Basically, thousands of men where nothing but a skimpy loincloth and socks and fight to touch a pair of wooden sticks that are thrown into the crowd of men. If you are able to grab hold of the sticks you will be blessed with good fortune. It looks just about as surreal as it sounds! I couldn't understand the socks though, especially since it was rainy. That would be the worst part for me, I hate wet socks. Do yourselves a favor and type it into google or youtube- there are many pictures and videos to give you a better idea of it. Unfortunately, I did not have my camera with me.

On the way back home I met this really cool French couple on the train who ended up coming out to the bar with my friends and I. This guy was a sound engineer who tours with an orchestra. He and I realized that we both had a love for old reggae and dub music, so we talked about that for awhile. This weekend is supposed to be rainy, so I think I am going to catch up on some reading, writing, and cleaning. Keep checking in I miss you all!
-Love Ian

Currently Reading:
1 The Myth of Sysyphus- Albert Camus
2 East Window- W.S. Merwin

Currently Listening
1) John Frusciante- The Empyrean
2) David Lynch- Inland Empire Soundtrack
3) Squarepusher- Numbers Lucent EP
4) Lou Reed- Berlin
5) Todd Rundgren- Initiation
6) John Foxx- Metamatic
7) Manuel Gottsching- E2-E4
8) Fennesz- Black Sea
9) Phil Spector- Back to Mono
10) Jacaszek- Treny