I knew it would happen, but I didn't know when.
I thought it would be later, but that was back then.
A rapper I am not, nor a poet with a pen,
but sometimes this is the best way to explain how it's been.
No, I won't chase my audience away with meager, half-hearted attempts at being Robert Frost. For that matter, I really don't know much about the man. While the above stanza is true, perhaps now that lunch is almost done cooking, I should expound more quickly in prose.
Mark is planning a trip to Korea with me this Christmas, but for whatever reason needed the money for the plane ticket this morning. I found that out at about 8:20 when I checked my phone while cooking breakfast. Better yet, he needed it by 10:20, or after 17:00, and since I'm working after 17:00, I had to get a move on to meet him.
Let's count the trains: Kannonji to Ichinomiya, Ichinomiya to Nagoya, Nagoya to Takahata. Three trains (well, two trains and a subway) with a roundtrip cost of 1 180 Yen ($15.39) for the sole purpose of handing Mark money and going back home. If hurrying and paying money to pay money isn't enough to start your morning off right, then how about being constantly watched by every single person who passes you, sits near you (or doesn't sit near you because you're foreign), or otherwise takes note of you, every day, every hour that you're not in your apartment? How about not being able to read, talk to people in a way that they understand, or in general be a member of society?
Matters didn't improve when I stopped at a bike shop to get some chain lube. See, not lubing the chain on my bike was probably one of the few things I forgot to do before I left, and since I've been riding nearly every day to work and back, my bike has begun a protest in the form of noise. Anyway, I found this place called Circles not too far from Sakae, a major shopping district in town. They had some cool things to see, like Brookes Saddles, Surly Bikes, Seven Bikes, and a few Giants. I was making my way past the counter when an employee said something (I don't know what). I did the best I could to not stare blankly, but of course, that's exactly what I did. So, he rephrased.
That didn't help. After a few more moments of confusion, in nearly perfect American English, he asked, "Can I help you?" From most people, this would have been a funny thing, but this guy wasn't laughing. He clearly knew both languages, yet acted like helping me in English was a chore, or that somehow I had offended him by not speaking Japanese. Yes, I'm in Japan, thanks for reminding me.
Anyway, after finding the right lubricant, I made my way to check out. After asking and answering if this was all I needed, he made me wait. For nearly two minutes, he stood in silence, looking up a web page on his computer unrelated to our business before ringing me up. In a country where customer service has otherwise been second to none in every regard, every time, in every place, I was a bit put off, but he wasn't done. After ringing me up in Japanese, telling me the total in Japanese, and then thanking me for coming with a sarcastic grin in Japanese, he then proceeded to ignore my existence until I left the shop.
I will not be returning.
I'm not one to rant, and I knew this day would come. The wonder wore off a bit today. Here's hoping that it doesn't take another step like this again.
After making my way home, trying to convince myself that I was merely tired, thirsty, hungry, or some combination therein, I hopped online. Both Leah and Rob were online, so I hit them both up for small talk: Leah to empathize about being away from home, and a bit of insight from Rob about my experience today.
For those that don't know, Rob is a really nice guy. I say that with a fair bit of confidence despite having never met him. He's a Kiwi (which means he's from New Zealand), and the man responsible for inspiring me to do crazy things like cycle across America, tour Colorado by bicycle, or in general push the limits of what I considered sane, possible, and a good idea.
The story goes like this: one day in July of 2009, I was bored and watching YouTube videos. I stumbled upon Rob's journey around the world by bicycle and skateboard, and was unequivocally captivated by his story and determination. I looked at every picture he put up, watched every video, and read every word I could find. It got me interested in doing something similar (if not on the same scale). Shortly after that, I wrote him an email, and since then, we've been engaged in some sort of conversation. The next summer, I did Bike & Build, and the travel bug has not left.
Rob lives in Japan, has for some time, and is studying at a university in Hokkaido (northern island of Japan). Until mid-March of this year, though, Rob lived here in Nagoya. Just before Mark's wedding, though, he moved to Hokkaido, so I didn't get the chance to meet him. But, not to worry, I'm sure to find a way.
Oh wait, a way has been found. Whilst thanking him for his help with my difficulties, I said that, some day, I wanted to actually meet him. He responded that he had some time off in February, and that I should come then. He recommended that I bring my bike, because he was planning on cycling across Hokkaido, and I was invited.
Let me say that again, because to most people I'm sure it's not a big deal. I'm planning on cycling across Hokkaido with the guy who's inspired me for over two years and whom I have never met. This is the guy who inspired me to do the things I've done, and the first time I meet him we're going to be doing exactly what he and I both enjoy, cycle touring? In the winter? In some of the most beautiful areas of Japan? The cheapest way up there is by ferry, and that, too, sounds like fun (or at least an experience to have under the belt). My day just got a lot better.
Then I went to work. I had three classes today: Green, Yellow, and Lime. Classes are color-coordinated in no particular order, so I know that Lime students are generally 7 years old. The first class was shy to the point of not getting hardly anything accomplished. The second class was rowdy, but at least some progress was made. Of course, all classes this month include the parents as observers, so they got to see their kids sit in silence when we all know that they know the answer to the question. The last class, however, was a blast. With 6 boys, all very smart, full of energy, and ready to learn, I had no trouble whatsoever. We blew through the lesson in 40 minutes, not 60, and then went back to review while playing card games.
I then rode home without using GPS, a first for me. I'm beginning to think that I just might get along.
Another quick update: I had another lesson with Hara-san yesterday. It went very well, and I was privy to seeing and discussing his contract with another company in Korea. Hara-san's company is to produce parts, and we discussed the finer points of the wording.
Anyway, it's closing in on 23:20 now, so I'm going to stop for now
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