Well, its beginning to feel like another summer is coming to a close. And boy, what a memorable summer its been. I can't begin to explain all the surprises, dramas, adventures, secrets, encounters, and etc, that have transpired. All I can say is that, I thought that the summer of '05 could not be surpassed but '06 seems to have taught me a lesson or two. I am continually reminded that I come away from each summer with another lesson learned, and this year was no different.
On the personal front, a lot of close friends went through a lot of emotional rides this summer; but have managed to come through them unscathed. Speaking of emotional rides, Sarah left for the States and is currently at her school (Davidson) going through the orientation business. I usually don't gush on my Blog but, man, I miss her so much.
I keep myself occupied with work and practice for my audition for Berklee which is on the 23rd of this month. I hear about my acceptance in September.
Without going into detail the summer has once again reminded me of the powerful bond which that is friendship and how much love, support and fun comes out of these close relationships. I've definetly had some unforgetable moments with my friends this year.
But probably the most memorable event occurred just a couple of nights ago.
I was out in Kiyamachi (the night spot in Kyoto) and I made friends with a couple of guys in their 40s. We had a great conversation for about an hour and through it I discovered that one of the guys was actually very well known throughout the Kiyamachi area. So then he ask if I wanted to go to this club called "World". I knew of this place and so on a whim I agreed to go. Once we got inside (Without having to pay the door charge), we were seated in a VIP section and the owner of the club came to our table. It was almost like a movie. Then when I got on the dance floor, everything changed.
Suddenly out of the blue, a Japanese guy comes up to me with this "What's a gaijin doing trending on my turf?" kind of look in his eyes. He shouts something racist which I could not make out over the loud club music. He was joined by another tall guy with sunglasses. The first guy then pushed me rather hard. I should have given my actions a little more thought but at the time I reacted instinctively and pushed him back.
Next thing I knew I was
launched through the crowd of dancers.
I slid across the dance floor and hit my face against wooden platforms. I lost my sandal. Disoriented I got up, only to realize that guy with the sunglasses was up in my face. I played the gaijin role and shouted into his ear,
"Yo! It's ok man, chill out! We're brothers right?" (Don't ask why that came out of my mouth)
To this he replies,
"Eigo wakarimasen." ("I don't understand english.")
I kept repeating "Were brothers!" with my hand up waiting for a handshake.
After a couple of seconds he turned around and left. Then I realized that one side of my face was starting to sting. I was able to get some ice and I sat down for a couple of minutes. Then I just got the hell out of there.
The next morning when I woke up my left eyelid barely opened due to the swelling and I had several purple lines running across my forehead. Needless to say, I couldn't go to work: I still can't go to work!
I never felt so physically inadequate in my life. These jerks had it out for gaijin that night, and if I was well built they wouldn't have messed with me. So I've made a promise to myself, in light of this incident, from now I will take the necessary physical measures so that I am able to handle myself in those situations. So I began today by jogging up a mountain near my house (Daimonji). I know its small, but I'm taking baby steps.
Here's the view of Kyoto from the top,
Summer is coming to an end. Thanks to everyone who made the summer of '06 as great as all the other ones.
The scene has been shot, the day is over. It's a wrap, but everything starts for me now.
Lights, camera, action!Here I go. Wish me luck.
