Japan

Alright, sorry for the delay: things have been quite crazy and unexpected lately and the last thing I've been thinking about is posting, but here I am again. As I said before, I will let you guys know about the trip to Japan. It was out of this world, it was AWESOME, it was exactly what I needed and what I was looking for,a nd it helped me reassure a few things that weren't quite clear. You know, after I came back, I had that weird feeling that you get once once of your dreams is fulfilled: you knida feel like you wish it didn't happen because now there's not much to look forward to. But I was wrong, because now I'm going to try as hard as I can to go back as soon as possible.

As my good friend Jerry pointed out while I was visiting him in Osaka, there is something so attractive about Japan that is almost impossible to describe. I think I know what it is. It's a mix of ancient culture, peaceful settings, vibrant cities, sophistication and elegance put together with never-ending kitsch, the hospitality of its people, the culture, the language, the FOOD...everything! It's funny how Japan can easily try people's patience and take it to the extremes, and how it can relax you to a point where it seem that the whole journey is more of a spiritual one.

It will be hard to mention all the things I did and the places I went day by day, so I will just name the cities I visited and what happened there in a nutshell. If I miss out any names, please don't be offended, I'm sure those missed out will understand.

NARA- This is the place where I spent most of my time. Some people laugh when I said that Nara was my base, but really, it is one awesome place. It's so full of history and it's so relaxing; I had quite a few inspiring moments at the pagodas and Nara park. Not to mention visiting La Renacuaja Loca, who made my time there and most of the trip both possible and incredible. Eternal gratitude goes to you! Arigato gozaimasu!!!I'll never forget your hospitality, kindness and care. Eeespaidermaaaaan, el hombre arañaaaaa! hahaha

OSAKA- What an awesome city. At first glance, it is rather uninspiring, but once you get to know the right places and the warm, loud people you notice what a cool place it is. Spending quality time with my good friend Jerry was the highlight of being there, together with the fun reunion with former ELI students. Endless conversations, great sighseeing, good food and brutal dart contests at the bar. Thanks a lot Gerardo, it really meant a lot to me. And of course, congratulations for you and Eri!

KYOTO- Damn, what can I say. This is one of the places that I wanted to see the most. How beautiful and how historic. Walking around Gion, visiting Kiyomizu, and feeling the peace of Toji temple really created an impact on me. This place is a MUST if you ever go to Japan.

FUKUCHIYAMA AND MIYAZU- Both beautiful places, the highlight of my days there was seeing my good friend Mari and meeting her friends, especially the Kaneshita family. Their hospitality was just beyond me, it really moved me and made it very special. Miyazu is a place to go to if there's time in your schedule. Don't miss it: the sights are breathtaking.

KOBE- By far, one of my favourite places in Japan to spend the day with good company. I was really amazed at how the city recovered from the devastating earthquake in 1995 and built a beautiful place that reminded me a of Vancouver.Thanks Tosh and Sachiko for showing us around! It was a lot of fun!

HIROSHIMA- This city really created a huge impact on me. Not only did I have an out-of-this-world experience near the A-Bomb Dome, but became truly aware of the horror inflicted by the A-Bomb. Too bad I couldn't spend another day there, because it is certainly worth it.

TOKYO- What can I say. I was DYING to visit Tokyo and feel its vibe and see it all. And I wasn't disappointed at all. Athough chaotic, Tokyo is such a fun, interesting place that really made me want to live there someday. It's just so much FUN! And crazy too, which is something that I love. Thanks a lot for letting me stay at your place, Mari! And thanks to the TUA people, the Taisho people, Konno Ai, Yachi Anne, Emiliana, Mie and Akina, Yurie, Yumi, Shoko and everyone else who made my time there so much fun. There were some people that I really wanted to see and tried hard to, but trust me, I did my best to see everyone but it's not always possible. Gomen ne.

NAGOYA- Although not in my top five list of favourite cities, I was able to spend precious time with Chika and the Ogawa family. They treated me like a king. Every second spent there was almost regal and made me feel so comfortable and gave me that much-needed family feeling after a long trip. I'm glad to know you're getting better, Chika. Thanks a lot to you and your lovely family.

KUMAMOTO- I really wish I could've stayed longer here. But unfortunately I was just able to spend oone night there. You can immediately feel the laid back Kyushu atmosphere upon arrival. Not to mention the AWESOME time spent with Coops. thanks a lot for everything, my friend. Too bad we couldn't talk as much as we wanted to, and too bad we didn't have enough time for endless laughs and inside jokes. But the few hours spent there are something I'll never forget. And trust me, I DID like basashi! Don't get mad! hahaha thanks a lot pendejazo.

Seems to me like this is a fairly decent short description of the trip. Please let me know if there are any omission and I'll be quick to write about them. If not, well, that's just too bad.