Hey you,
How’s your inbox doing? Have you tried not looking at a screen for an extended period of time? It is glorious.
I loved not staring at a computer. I loved wandering the streets and finding cute taco places. I loved observing people without a purpose. I am not even taking notes for future writings. I loved existing that way. I am built for retirement.
The first half of my sabbatical I stayed in Chengdu. I will write about it later. The second half, I stayed in Tokyo, a city with the best subway system I’ve ever seen. I went to a Coldplay concert with my childhood friend and her friends. Whom you go to a concert with matters.
We happened upon a cocktail bar specializes in housemade gin, shochu and tea. The bar’s name is Unknown (coincidence?). The owner is a quiet bald man in his early 30s. The bar opened six months ago in the Ebisu neighborhood. It sits 20 people comfortably, with a standing table outside. Modern, minimalistic interior design with muted black and cream colors. There are ten cocktails on the menu, listed from easy drinking to strong.
My friends and I tried eight out of the ten cocktails. No miss. Hits all the way. #6 comes out on the top. It has a subtle savory and creamy taste upon first drinking, and finishes with a full body aroma of the house made shochu. Perfect for the fall weather. (Shochu is like a Japanese-styled vodka.)
I am not a big drinker of alcohol but I do understand what tasty is. The drinks at Unknown are yummy. And I didn’t have any hangover or headaches the next days. This is usually a sign of good quality liquor. If you are curious and happen to be in the neighborhood, here is their address:
3-25-3 higashi, shibuya, tokyo
I operate at a slower pace than most people. And Tokyo makes me feel like my pace is normal. I can take my time counting the coins and paying for my bottled water at 7-11. My nervous system feels at ease in Tokyo, much more so than how it feels at China. Though neighbors, the two countries couldn’t be more different. You feel the distinct contrast of a developed country vs a developing country – look at the public restrooms. What you are used to will shape your initial experience of either country.
I missed the US for the first time when I was in Tokyo. I missed the freedom of expression in all areas of life. I miss how little fucks the Americans give others (individualism vs collectivism). Two extremes. I need moderate amount of fucks being given. I knew in my bones that I will come back to visit Japan but it doesn’t feel like home. Neither does China. Neither does the US. I want to visit different places and cultures. I also want to build a home with my person and have a big dog together (I want to understand where this idea of a home comes from).
Thanks to quiet time alone. I can hear my intuition loud and clear. I said goodbye to the boy I liked. Not a good fit. Moving on.
It’s late. I am tired. I will write more soon. Be good to your body.
Love,
Xiaoyu
