A rather simple day today...it seems as though I have these after my full days of adventure and I am glad I get to have them. My simple days allow me to slow down, reminisce and remember that I am not on a schedule to rush and go everywhere. I can't see everything and I am okay with that. The goal for this trip to me is more than being on vacation like everyone thinks. It is about enjoying everything in the present moment, self growth, all things related to design/architecture and of course cultural awareness. I want to be able to experience each place I visit through the lifestyle of the people that live there, not always from the perspective of a tourist. I had my first running session through the city today and I must say, it is so much better to run when you have no idea where you are going. Of course, I don't recommend it for those with a horrible sense of direction but considering mine is quite good, it is well worth the risk. During that run, I felt a little out of place...I could tell I was getting the attention from many that passed and I think I may have a good idea why. In California, it is normal to see many people exercising and jogging...in Japan, I think I have only seen one person running the whole time I've been here. Maybe because it's so damn cold out, people no better? I don't know but it was definitely a bit out of the norm but I didn't care. I need my exercise! In the evening, Hiroco asked me to be a guest in the English class being taught at Cafe ain soph. The instructor, Atsuyo was extremely kind and her students were welcoming as well. However, during class there was an unexpected incident...a 6.1 earthquake hit Tokyo. Not my first earthquake nor my biggest, but it still gave me the shakes. Especially considering that we just hit Japan's 1 year mark from last year's huge 9.0 earthquake. My natural reaction was to run my butt down that spiral stair case and get out of there. Once I realized the building had been shaking I calmly started to pack my stuff as to not show the rest of the class I was panicking...even though I was inside. They assured me it would be okay but all I could think of was the worse. When it was over, I excused myself to calm my nerves and go outside. Phew! On a better note, Atsuyo asked me to stay for dinner with her and some students at the cafe and I gladly accepted. Hirohisa made me delicious pasta which was extremely necessary to cure my shakes. Oh, and today was White Day or as they say Howaito De. In Japan, Valentine's Day is celebrated by women giving men chocolates...Howaito De is for the men to return the favor soooo I have been bugging the two guys I have gotten to know the most here for my chokoreto (chocolates!) Haha...so far Shigeaki says I must wait until tomorrow and Hirohisa gave me a Marron (Japanese grilled chestnut), it was better than chocolate!
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