Far Away

For all none Americans, yesterday was the Super Bowl, which is, perhaps, the biggest sporting and party event of the entire American calendar year. It’s estimated that 40% more pizzas are consumed on that day than any other during the year. And for most of us it’s an excuse to have or go to a party. I went to Dustin's place.

While Dustin and his place in particular, are known for a good party, he is not a big football fan, which is fine as neither am I. What it did turn into was a sort of reunion of some people who had worked together at a small place in Bay Ridge called Unos. Of course, the usual happened at said party, we ate, drank, caught up and traded Unos stories (I could tell you quite a few...). While it was great to see my friends and hang out, I did feel far away from Japan. I can't quite explain it, but Bay Ridge feels so small to me now. I realized that in some ways, subconsciously, I have moved on and started to commit myself to my new life, yet in others I'm still there or long to be. I still hang out with some Japanese people here and try to speak and read the language. We go for sushi or more authentic izakayas in Manhattan. I guess my problem is that Japan is too far away. If only I was from California, or if they could use tug boats to bring Japan closer to the continental US. And now I'm starting to plan my vacation. In my company I have to use my vacation time, so a two week or so romp through Japan sounds great.

Still, the earliest this would be is October. I have a long way to go. And of course the fear of liking it too much, or of building it up in my mind and then being disappointed or having to end too quickly, etc. Anyway, if you're my friend living in Japan, pencil me in for lunch or a drink around the middle of October when I stop by Osaka.


Wisdom of the Day: Absence makes the heart come back.