About a week in now touring Tokyo (and some outskirts), i travel on in the company of my good ol' backpack and my camera, in search of something, of which i am not yet sure of.
Aboard my powerful white steed, quick as the wind, speeding me on toward Osaka, I spent a good part of two hours reflecting on all that i'd seen thus far, and realise that i must be getting old, and/or mellow, to have enjoyed the company of a friend as much as i did. Sure, language was a problem initially, but language always is a problem, but never enough to get me comfortable and content with google-type pictures and our singaporean flavour. Perhaps the time for something less familiar?
As day turns to night, the sunset that day draws me out of introspection to admire its beauty. Flirting with me through a clear carriage window, it beckons me closer still. Before i know it i have 7 photos of her. Inspired and with a renewed resolve, i promise myself that tomorrow will be a new adventure...or perhaps tonight?
Following some meticulous directions on Odori's website, i eventually arrived at Bishoen station and boy was i taken aback by the lack of action, especially since all i had seen before was streams and streams of people, and then more people. The area around Bishoen station at 8pm was quiet to the point of me being able to single out the engine of a lonely car slowly rolling through the main street. Just past the dental clinic that long had it doors locked and shutters down, i took a left into an alley, dark as a dungeon. Sensing nothing sinister i continued along and noticed the light at the end of the tunnel (or as it was, 2 lanterns glowing at the end of an alley devoid of activity). This had to be the place. Everything about that scene was 'quiet, peaceful and nestled in a residential area' as advertised.
Any other worries i had would be dissipated within the space of 10 minutes as i entered through the wooden double doors and announced my arrival to the very gentle Satoshi. As soon as it was suggested that registration and check-in could be finalised but only after i joined them for dinner (which was a Takoyaki-party no less), i knew that i was onto a winner.
A nice mix of kimchi and octopus. Where different cultures meet, tastes collide, and a new creation happens.
Not bad for a first-timer, but ways to go before we can set up a stall at the local fair.
Great company leads to a night of laughter and stories.
I meet the assembled cast, the ever-chatty San-chan of Jeju island, Delphine the voice of reason with an edge, Lauren with the quick wits and a taste for art, Akita-san the matronly, and Satoshi the humble. Initial awkwardness is gone the moment we realise we need to learn how to cook the takoyaki balls, for those who don't cook don't eat. Eventually we get handy with the wooden skewers (or satay sticks as we call it back home), and we all have our fill amidst endeavour, failure and laughter.
Alas dinner comes to an end. The rest of the evening is spent in front of fresh fragrant cups of roasted tea for i am too spent this night for alcohol. Also, what a shame it would be should i forget any of this if alcohol is involved. For the first time on my trip it feels more like an adventure than holiday. Stories are bandied around the table, as are snacks acquired on each person's travels.
After I mess about with the in-house guitar for a bit, it is time to turn in. The fires have been lit and the hunger is back. Hello and nice to meet you dear Japan, I want to indulge in all you; and for real this time. I curl up underneath the warmth of a thick quilt satisfied with the events of the evening as slumber embraces me.
