Sunday 21.05.2023
“I rushed from the bed to the shower to the street, determined to make it on time for the dance class I had reserved two days ago. The perks of the internet knowing everything about me are the precise advertisements and suggestions 😂. Two days ago, my Instagram feed reminded me of a dance video I had liked a few weeks ago. I remembered that the dancer was based in Tokyo, so I followed him on Instagram. Yesterday, I saw his story announcing a dance lesson, so I immediately signed up. I arrived a few minutes late because I got lost in the famous busy Shibuya square. The instructor, nicknamed “Boxer,” was already leading the class. There were some Japanese regular dancing students, as well as tourists from the USA and Germany. Boxer began the lesson with easy steps, gradually increasing the difficulty level until only a few could keep up. As the lesson progressed, I realized what made his dance style so special: he could move his hips to one rhythm, his steps followed another rhythm, and his head seemed to beat to a third rhythm. There I was, in the corner, trying to forge a new path in my brain called “multitasking,” a concept I had never excelled at.
Dancing is an incredibly social activity that allows you to connect with other passionate individuals. After the lesson, I joined Boxer, another Japanese dancer, and a group of tourists at a nearby traditional restaurant for lunch. The tourists happened to be two kind-hearted American ladies, who were art professors on a work trip, and a dancer from Germany. We engaged in a lively conversation filled with travel advice from Boxer, creating a light-hearted atmosphere full of fun and laughter.
During our conversation, I mentioned my plan to visit Okinawa. At this point, Boxer warned me about the presence of dangerous sea snakes that occasionally come to the surface to breathe. I responded by expressing concern not about their visibility on the surface, but rather about encountering them while swimming around my lower body. Boxer explained that these snakes pose a threat when they feel attacked while breathing, as their bite can be lethal within a matter of seconds. Naturally, his words left me feeling a bit worried.
A few seconds later, Boxer added, “Also, be careful of the snakes on land; they can also kill you.” I paused, contemplating his words. He then mentioned an interesting addition: “But if you manage to catch one and bring it to the police station, they’ll reward you with 5000 Yens.” I jokingly replied that risking my life for a little more than 30 dollars didn’t sound quite appealing, and besides, I had no clue how to casually catch a snake and deliver it to a police station. Our conversation continued, playfully exploring various hypothetical ways one could die in Okinawa, ironically known as one of the places on Earth where people live the longest (over 100 years). So why meeee?
In the midst of our conversation, Boxer recommended some intriguing dishes for me to try, such as sparrow or turtle! Curious, I inquired about the infamous deadly fish dish called “Fugo.” Boxer’s response was rather blunt: “That can also kill you!” Fugo is a highly toxic fish that, if prepared improperly, can be fatal. Only licensed chefs are allowed to handle it. Boxer shared that, around 200 years ago, many Japanese people lost their lives due to this fish. I couldn’t help but wonder about the determination it took to persistently search for a proper way to cook a toxic fish. How did they test it all those years ago? For example:
- “I think I found a way that maybe less toxic, guys do you want to try it?”,
then they all die.
— “Ops, maybe we should prepare it in another way!”
After this nice encounter, I headed to Asakusa, a neighborhood in Tokyo where one of the biggest religious festivals, called “Sanja Matsuri,” was taking place over the weekend. You can learn more about it here: Sanja Matsuri Wikipedia page. The festival, rooted in the Shinto religion, attracted a multitude of Japanese locals and tourists alike. I couldn’t help but admire the Japanese people wearing traditional kimonos; full of elegance and grace. While I knew I would probably feel out of place wearing one myself, it was a joy to witness the locals embracing their cultural attire.
The focal point of the festival was the procession of moving shrines throughout the neighborhood, eventually making their way to the temple. The shrines were carried by enthusiastic participants who rhythmically shouted and were accompanied by claps from the crowd, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere. As I strolled through the streets, I was amazed by the number of street food stalls, small businesses, and skilled craftsmanship on display. The hustle and bustle of people engaged in various activities added to the charm of the event. It reminded me of the general beauty of large gatherings of people, be it at the cinema, stadium, concert, or even religious ceremonies, where the collective energy and shared experiences contribute to the enjoyment.
After immersing myself in the festivity, I decided to take a lazy walk along the riverside, on my way to one of the tallest towers in the world, the Tokyo Skytree. There, I indulged in a panoramic 360-degree view of Tokyo, hoping to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t ideal, but I found a plan B. I savored a small snack in the sky bar, while admiring at the sunset casting its warm blanket over Tokyo.
As the evening unfolded, it was time for El Cafe Latino, a perfect way to cap off the day’s adventures.