Friday, October 26, 2007

Back in the Jo

I had a feeling I would find my way back to Miyakonojo. I just didn’t think it would be quite this soon. But, here I find myself, about two-and-a-half months after my last trip, wandering incompetently throughout this relatively unknown Japanese town. It’s kind of a trip. And wander is kind of a lie. I just got in last night, and thought I’ve ventured to the vending machine for some excellent Japanese coffee, I have mostly been catching up on work and getting glimpses of the World Series on the TV guide channel.

You see, they do televise these games here, because of Daisuke and Matsui, but it’s only on cable, and Luke doesn’t have cable. But one of the channels is split into 16 tiny screens so you can see all broadcasts simultaneously. So, I am watching Rockies baseball players the size of ants take on the Red Sox in a tiny corner of the screen. And, since I can’t see the score, I have to check ESPN.com periodically for an update.

Anyhow, it’s strange to be back here – I mean, who visits Miyakonojo regularly? That’s right, no one. Except for me – driven by the desperation of a long distance relationship to spend thousands of dollars and travel thousands of miles. It’s kind of fun, though. I feel like a jet setter. Yesterday at the airport I felt quite experienced and important finding my way through the familiar routine of getting from one continent to the next. Even another foreigner sought my advice at the entrance to customs. I must look like I know what I am doing.

So, last night, Luke picked me up in Miyazaki – it was raining, of course, because it always rains whenever I go anywhere – and we made the short drive back to Miyakonojo. It’s definitely a lot different to visit this time. The weather is much, much better. Still humid, but a lot cooler. (I worry about having to readjust to the cold when I get home, but I guess it will be nice to be warm for a few more weeks, before I become a skiing popsicle on the slopes of Vail.)

It smells different, too. When I walked out this morning to get some coffee, it was the first thing I noticed. It must be the smell of fall, but it’s much sweeter here than it is in Colorado. Unlike the subtle dry, leafy odor we drink in all through October, this is pungent and thick. I like it though – it complemented well my peek into the temple grounds next door.

I’m not sure what I am going to do today. Luke is at work until late afternoon. He’s actually going to be working the whole time I’m here, which is probably good. I plan on spending the time working and studying for my GMAT. Yuck. But, it sounds like we have some weekend trips planned, and Luke has arranged an archery lesson for me! I am so excited for that.

Hopefully, I will be able to relax and get out a little more on this trip. Last time I was here I had so much work to do, and this short visit seems to have landed fortuitously in a small chunk of time between completion of a few projects and initiation of a few more. So, that’s good.

I think this concludes my first entry. Unless something fascinating happens to me on the way to the Lawson convenience store – you never know!

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