Before arriving on Shodoshima, I’d been wondering if there would be any connections between this pilgrimage and the one I did last year. Here in a souvenir shop on the island, it seems I’ve found my answer.
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.
As excited as I am to explore seven countries in six weeks, I also wanted to give this trip a purpose to ground me in the midst of so much moving around. And that’s exactly what I’d like to introduce you to today.