Monday, December 13, 2010

"Attraversiamo. Let's cross over."

Wow this post is long overdue! It's been 18 days since exams ended, and after spending countless hours on the plane, on my getaway trips, on the road, on dining tables, in front of the computer watching every reality show/talkshow/movie ever imaginable, I've finally decided to sit down and write. I've been taking a few notes on my phone during long coach rides so I guess it's easier to put my multitude of convoluted thoughts together.

Hokkaido in winter is nothing short of breathtaking :) It's almost weird, really, how easy it is for me to find a sense of peace and calmness and rejuvenation just by soaking myself in an atmosphere that's beautifully unfamiliar. I missed that feeling, alot. I won't attempt to describe how pretty the scenary was, how gorgeous the snowfall was - the pictures speak for themselves; words would do no justice. Speaking of snowfall, perhaps the only slight disappointment was that I didn't get to go skiing or take the Snow Mobile thingy. The snow came late this year, and within the duration of the trip there was insufficient snow accumulated for any of the above activities to carried out. Felt the effects of climate change up close and personal for the first time! Everyone longed for the snow as fervently as drought-plagued land craved for the rain. So when we finally woke up to a grey sky snowy chilly morning, it was enough to make us all happy.

It was my second visit to the country known for its hospitality, yet i was no less impressed. Local aunties and uncles, albeit being complete strangers to you, won't hesitate to wave hello/goodbye. The service standards and level of professionalism are, of course, second to none. Hotel personnel bow and greet you the moment you make - or appear to make - any eye contact. I also remember the queer state of mind i got lost in while watching a glassware shop assistant wrap the souvenirs that my folks bought. She had a smile etched on her face as she wrapped the fragile items in layers of paper, her fingers working as swiftly as those of a magician's.. My gawd, Subway needs people like these, I thought.

After Japan, I made a last-minute impulsive decision to hop over to our place across the causeway for a short stayover, simply cos.. I couldn't get out of the holiday mood. I've been unknowingly belittling the significance of me-time, and now I'm fiercely defending its importance and its impact. Being mentally alone empties my head and allows the positivity to rush in and fill it.

I may sound creepingly reflective, but I am all the more convinced that it's perfectly valid, now that I've finally finished reading Eat, Pray, Love. At this point I must say that I'm simply amazed by the timing of the divine. I just wasn't meant to finish it earlier this year when I first bought it, was I? Because this morning I picked up the book, polished off the last 80-odd pages, and I feel like I can empathize with every word. Omggg I'm really really glad that someone with such language prowess (thank God, Liz Gilbert) can put into words so accurately and vividly the kind of thoughts and emotions that permeate the human mind and heart, which can make people who have never experienced them think that people who have are freakish. I definitely wouldn't have felt the same way half a year ago, before I got thrown into the emotional blackhole as I called it.

I do feel like I'm ready to put many things to rest. The year is ending, Christmas is coming, timmy's flying home too.. True enough, I've never felt happier in a long, long time :)

by exalted! at 9:53 pm |