As I sketch, I keep looking out over the city spinning and swirling below me, feeling like I’m not only in the center of Tokyo, but in the center of the world itself. I found the Wakō after all – and so much more.
It is this vista that will remain with me the most from Nokogiriyama – because of the view, because of the cherry blossoms, and because of the way they really won’t be there for much longer.
Sometimes, when I think about all these little pockets of existence around the world – existing with only bicycles for cars and docks for roads, existing without us ever knowing it – it’s almost too much to comprehend.
Ever since visiting Macau three and a half years ago, glowing Chinese lanterns have never failed to fascinate me. I find them incredibly evocative – a symbol, perhaps, that I have truly arrived Elsewhere.
I find such enclaves of a culture fascinating, the way they instantly transport you to another world. By simply crossing the street you’re in the Middle East, with shisha pipes gurgling and the call to prayer sounding.
I’m not much of a “returner” when it comes to travel, but I felt a strange sense of unfinished business with India. I missed the chaos, the chai, the challenge – and I knew what I had to do. I had to go back.
As far as I have found, a love for India isn’t wrapped up in any one city or any one experience. Instead, it’s a thousand little things that have slowly folded into each other, into one overwhelming love for this fascinating country.
If you’ve been reading this blog for any amount of time longer than a single post, you will have no doubt noticed I’m slightly obsessed with quotes. Travel quotes, life quotes, anything I can tuck away for inspiration on a rainy day – I’m not picky.