Between Stops

Came back yesterday from Japan and I thought I was physically fine until I tried waking up this morning, which turned into noon then mid-afternoon. My body took it harder than I imagined. But all those sleep deprivation, irregular meals, the weight of the bag pressing on my shoulders, and a pair of shoes too casual for comfort, they amounted to the current state I am in. I'm not the one to complain though. At least I have the liberty and the convenience to exploit my health without much endangerment. When else would you have so much energy to relinquish and take advantage of? Aye, time is now.

I had a blissful trip. Starting from Osaka, then to Nara, Okayama, Shikoku Island, Hiroshima, Itsukushima Island, Kanazawa, Tokyo, Yokohama, Kamakura, Naoshima Island, and Kyoto in 10 days, as you can imagine it was very tiresome. And because most attractions, shrines, and museums close before the evening, I'd take late night trains, check-in late at hotels and hostels, and leave before 7:30 the next day. On some days, I'd take the morning train though. The picture above was one of them. On my way from Tokyo to Naoshima Island. Initially, I woke up at 3:30 in the morning that day to go see the Tsukiji Fish Market which holds a daily auction from 5:00 to 6:15 in the morning. They only allow maximum of 140 visitors, and there are two time slots. One at 5:00, for 30 minutes, then another at 5:40. Now, because the subway opens around 4:45, by the time I got there it was around 5:15. And I thought to myself that I'd be able to make it for the 5:40 slot. But I was too late. The spots had all filled up and there was no room left for me. I got infuriated, which later turned into disappointment, feeling of neglect, and sadness. So I followed through my next stop, Naoshima Island via Okayama. I went to the Tokyo station and took the earliest express train out of there.

On the train ride, I couldn't stop thinking about the fish auction. I was still angry at myself, the market, the security guard, and the fish. Yes, the fish! The thought that I wouldn't be able to see tunas over 6 feet long and prawns the size of your you palm. And worse, because of the global warming the larger of its kind are slowly being wiped out. I mean the average fish size and weight have already significantly decreased, but in few years it's bound to decrease more! And even more, it's rumored to bar visitors from the auction because tourists are a hassle for the auctioners. I'm still somewhat bitter, as you can tell.

But, then I slowly started to focus out of my thoughts and onto my eyes. Outside was a world of farms, mountains, and wooden houses covered in a sheet of snow. And the only thing I could hear was the clicks and abrasion coming from the tracks. My thoughts started to fade out and silence began to enter. And I felt numb and empty for a while, then a moment passed and I gained a new equilibrium and a sense of peace. Glaring at the scenic landscape of mountains and snow, a thought then entered my mind. Traveling, if it could be distinguished, is a passive verb. The traveler is receptive of opportunities, chances, and experiences. Though a traveler can actively pursue those opportunities and chances, the traveler cannot create them. And it is the traveler who accommodates for the events, not the other way around. I needed to learn how to be more content. And with that thought in mind, I quietly calmed myself and started to just enjoy the snow outside.

I have tons of photos to share. I've taken more photos on this trip than the sum of what I've taken in the last 2 years, and it's going to take a while to sort through. But in due time, the photos will be posted and I'll share what I know, what I saw, and what I felt.