Typhoon Torment

Last night, before work, I decided it would be a smart idea to ride my bike to work as I usually do. Except yesterday, we had a lovely typhoon joining us here in Japan. And I naively figured that I could still manage to ride my bike in the rain as the Japanese do...

Holding an umbrella.

And yes, while I'm aware this is not the safest thing in the world, the Japanese do it with such ease I naturally assumed it would be no problem.

Yeah. It definitely was a problem.

See, somehow, riding a bike that's a bit small for you with only one hand to steer while there's a bag full of your crap in the basket over the front wheel throwing off the center of your weight while the typhoon winds and rain beat at you and your favorite new blue plastic umbrella in your other hand isn't as easy at it first seems.

Nor is reading that run-on sentence.

And so, even though I made it to within 20 feet of the parking garage at the station, the typhoon felt it necessary to rip my favorite blue plastic umbrella out of my hand into the middle of a trafficky intersection, and then, when I parked my bike and chased after it into the street, it felt it necessary to gustily blow said umbrella halfway down the block and also gustily blow my bike right over. And dent my lovely front wheel basket.

It's a good thing I was in a good mood and was able to shrug it off, because man, that typhoon did not want me to enjoy my bike ride.

Now said typhoon also discouraged me from doing much of anything today and from going to bed at a decent hour last night. So my day consisted of far too much whiskey and conversation last night, and Domino's pizza and a movie today. Which actually made for a lovely day off. Except the Domino's wasn't nearly as good to my stomach as I remember. Or as quick and cheap. I think I've actually grown accustomed to the Japanese diet and my body isn't a fan of such grease and crap anymore. Wow.

And we had the Sayonara party for the old cast tonight which was lovely and sweet and amazing. It made me wish I had been more able to tell the Japanese in summer party how much I would truly miss them and how much they changed my life in such a short amount of time.

But well, I guess I have to hope they know that in their hearts.

Tomorrow... debut day, A-shift. Woo hoo!

Elections and Challenges

Sometimes, when I least expect it, lying on my bed or checking my e-mail, I hear this crazy mumbled drive-thru speaker sound coming out of my stove. One that's not exactly faint. And, even more disconcerting, it has surprised me a few times as well through the fan in my bathroom when I'm nakey-snakey in the shower.

To the extent that when I heard it the first time I jumped out of the shower and ran around my room saying "Hellooo?!" because I thought there a stranger had broken into my room.

And the second time I jumped out of bed and under the table because I thought, "Maybe this voice is an emergency alert system warning me of an approaching typhoon or earthquake". I mean, it is in Japanese after all. And we have had two of each in the past month.

And by the third time, I wondered where this sound was coming from and poked my head outside only to hear a voice shouting over a megaphone. And apparently, that megaphone is so powerful that it permeates the vents in my shower fan and the hood of my stove... hence why it sometimes scares me at inconveniently random times.

So after a few days of confusion, I finally understood what was happening.

See, it's election time here in Japan, and they do things a little differently. First, there aren't set election times. The emperor (I think, maybe it's the Prime Minister or someone else) dissolves the Parliament/Council/Congress/legislative-body whenever he decides he's had enough of the current administration. Which is pretty cool when you think about it. And then elections are held 6 weeks later. 6 weeks. Can you imagine? What if Obama only had 6 impromptu weeks to campaign for President? That would be simultaneously frightening and wonderful (since 2 years of campaigning is nasty overkill) and even more awesome if he were to have succeeded in spite of that.

Anyway, my point is that when I got here, apparently the high man in charge dissolved the government and now people are running for office. With only 6 weeks to put together a campaign.

Now, I can't tell you much about our candidates here since a) I don't speak Japanese and b) I'm pretty sure I can't vote even though I'm a registered alien; however, that hasn't stopped the campaign from coming after me. Mostly in the form of mumbling voices in my room, but also the occasional flyer distributor at the station.

But in truth, people aren't really allowed to campaign like in the States. They're only allowed to put up posters on designated signs that have been placed around the community, and only then in their designated numbered square. (It took me a while to figure out what those random signs were for around the neighborhood until the pictures started appearing). However, they are allowed to ride around in vehicles with loudspeakers on the top, waving out the side with their campaign managers and speaking over the megaphone. And I don't really understand this.

Especially, because, in case you've forgotten, I don't speak Japanese.

But every day, there they are, riding up and down Symbol Road or platforming at the station spouting off what I'm sure are similar campaign speeches to those we hear in the States. Except 6 weeks ago, they had no idea there was going to be an election. And here they are, running a campaign, and it ends today (I think).

And all I know is, when it comes through the vents in my room, it sounds like a chipmunk is mumbling to me in Japanese to watch out for the impending natural disaster. I mean, how am I supposed to know differently?

In other news...

I have my final dress for BBB in a few hours, which really is also my first dress since yesterday's run-through/block in costume was segmented into sections and more of a tech rehearsal. And today everyone has to be in costume, not just the new guys. And while it has been helpful, it is very surprising (and very un-Japanese) that last night was the first time I've done certain numbers with the other people in them. In addition to costumes, lights, and lifts for the first time. But I can't really be expected to know that I'm supposed to cross downstage of Mickey and the dancers between X and Y on 1 when I've never done that number with the other 15 people onstage before. So I didn't really feel too badly about those kind of notes.

However, I have been feeling very remiss about my performance of "All of Me". It's been a surprisingly difficult hurdle for me to overcome in this process. I know a lot of that is because it's been under-rehearsed (both in rehearsal and at home), but I've been letting a lot of the pressure get to me. Especially when I'm so strikingly different from the other 7 guys I've heard sing the song.

It has been a very similar process to learning the gospel number and most of the pop show from the cruise ship. I'm just basically so far out of my comfort zone and trying to do something new and foreign and not suck, without the guide of a voice coach or someone external and safe with whom I could work on it. Except that on the ship, at least everyone spoke English. And it was so new and so foreign that I felt any effort I gave was an improvement. And I had an amazing friend, Joshua, to coax and guide me through the scary stuff.

Here, I find myself constantly lost. I've been getting conflicting notes from the director (which are, of course, translated, and very literal and therefore that much more confusing). And I'm trying not to take it personally when I get told "you really sound bad and need to work on that" in front of the whole cast. Although I finally got some advice yesterday that encouraged me to act the song and not feel like I have to riff like the black boys, I haven't found the groove of the song yet. Which is also disappointing because singing "All of Me" in a big band style is more familiar than attempting a Gospel solo or singing Michael Jackson classics.

But, I am remaining positive and trying to make it work for me and my style. Which is what they finally encouraged me to do yesterday. To sing it more like me. And I'll get there. I just wish it would happen faster.

And the whole thing I'm trying to remember is that when we are challenged, we grow. The best work is when we have to fight for it. Working out of my comfort zone is helping me. And getting discouraged is the least positive way to come out of this experience. So despite all my doubts and insecurities and fears, I know that when I finally succeed, it will feel so rewarding. And I'll have done something I didn't think I could do before.

Now if I could just get there already!

It's a rainy day here and I just had a delicious lunch at the Indian restaurant in the station. I'm so glad I'm making new friends outside my cast here and Patrick will be a really great addition to my time here in Tokyo. And soon off to my dress! Wish me luck!

Pure Imagination

I'm a little confused by something here in Tokyo. See, I thought I was coming to work in a show with professional grown-ups.

Instead, I often have this eerie feeling (accompanied by requisite "wooooo woooo" sounds) that time has somehow reversed itself and I'm back in high school. In the locker room. Where boys are awkward and immature and rude and the girls are catty and insecure. And I for one, have never wanted to go back to that place.

Now I'm all for having a good time at work, especially when we're going to be there 9 hours a day, but I do have to say that I'm not comfortable with mean, degrading humor that puts other people down. The kind that takes their dignity and steps on it over and over with a spiky track shoe. I just really don't see the need to be impolite and insulting. There are plenty of ways to make people laugh without hurting someone's feelings. A lesson I learned well from my wonderful dad and the immeasurably wise Reenie.

So. Instead of stooping to a low, nasty, teenage level, I have decided to remove myself from negative, insulting, and occasionally discriminatory humor and bigotry, and in turn, I reminded myself of something I LOVE!

Reading a good book.

I think sometimes, when I don't have a good book and sometimes am not quite sure what to read next, my soul gets a little lost. Cuz my brain loses a healthy outlet of imagination and instead I constantly create strange conversations in my head. Especially in the land of Nippon where 90% of the day I can't communicate with people.

So I picked up a delightfully free copy of "Flesh and Blood" by Michael Cunningham (the guy who wrote "The Hours") from the dozo bookshelf downstairs. I've read quite a bit of his work and enjoy it, and this book is turning out to be one of my favorites so far. He has a phenomenal understanding of the human psyche and writes inner emotional monologue so well. And so now, I have this lovely escape from high school into a fantastic journey of fiction. And I'm thrilled.

Especially because my crazy imagination and willingness to suspend disbelief usually mean that when I read, I immerse myself in a story. I remember sophomore year of college when I was reading the incredible "A Density of Souls" by Christopher Rice, that I had been reading in my top bunk at Flather for about 2 hours one afternoon. And when I got up to go eat dinner, it was sunset, and I remember being cold and shivering and unsettled at the table. It was a good ten minutes later that I realized I had become so involved in the novel, that I personally was behaving as if the same Category 4 hurricane in the novel was right howling outside the old North windows, when in reality it was a beautiful fall evening outside. Not to say that we didn't eventually have Isabella hit DC junior year providing a four-day weekend, but basically it just was windy outside and the rest of our neighborhood lost power.

I don't think anything trumps my utter fear of and complete belief in the Wicked Witch of the West when I was 3 or 4 and Mom took me to see The Wizard of Oz at YGP. (This was obviously before I began my formative years there). I was so frightened by her and believed her to be so real and evil that I wouldn't go within 20 feet of her during the Meet and Greet after the show.

Once, too, when I watched Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom at 10 years old, I didn't even make it 20 minutes into the movie, yet that night I had to sleep with the light on because I thought the teddy bears in the walls were going to jump out of the wallpaper and attack me like the ninjas in the movie.

And I had nightmares for a month in second grade after seeing the original Willy Wonka (because that image section before the boat trip is so creepy and bizarre) that I was gonna blow up into a blueberry. So yeah. There's that utter suspension of disbelief at work.

So I'm reading something other than guidebooks in Japan and it's making me a much smarter, more relaxed, and much happier Tophs.

Oh. And I went to Shibuya today again and basically let some Japanese salesman play dress up with me as the doll. It was crazy the things he was trying to get me to buy, but then I had to use the awful "maybe" tactic so I could get out of there without spending any money. I also went back to Harajuku and salivated over those Puma high-tops I want so badly. I'm thinking they might be my opening night gift to myself. I finally found a pic of them online too. And yes mom, I know you hate them already.

Dress rehearsals for me start tomorrow! Woo hoo!

Bulldogs, Spiders, and Mermaids, Oh my!

Guess where I went today?

Yup. And it's just like it is in the States. Except for the lack of Lingonberry Juice at the soda fountains. I do love a good Lingonberry/Sprite mix with my cheap-o hotdog set. And they didn't have cinnamon rolls today. But the ice cream was delicious. And it's only 1 stop away on the rapid train, so it's much closer than the one in Brooklyn. Especially if I were to try to go to Brooklyn from Shin-Urayasu! Speaking of... I don't think I ever posted this hilarity when I tried to get directions to the MAC store in Shibuya. (Please note, I was not asked to enter a starting address, not that I have any idea why it chose somewhere in Alabama).

My favorite part? #39. "Kayak across the Pacific Ocean. 3,879 mi. Entering Japan". And this is further evidence that I went to IKEA in Chiba, because it would take more than 36 days to go visit the one in Brooklyn... not including the water taxi transfer!

And look. I got a new friend to cheer me up!

The ironic thing is... I don't particularly like bulldogs. I don't think they're that cute. But this little guy just stole my heart over all the other IKEA stuffed animals (that are unfortunately probably sewn by machines staffed by third world child labor). He kinda has a funny body like a gopher or a chipmunk, and I can just see him saying, a la the Cowardly Lion, "Put 'em up... Put 'em up!"

So I went to buy sheets, but that mission was not very successful because sheets in Japan are surprisingly expensive and difficult to buy! And if I'm gonna pay 25 or 30 bucks for a fitted sheet, it ain't gonna be a crappy one from IKEA. So I left empty handed except for a comforter cover, some hangers and candles, a few snacks from the Swedish market, and a squishy pillow. Cuz you can't find one of those in Japan EVER! They're always so firm and brick-like. Yuck.

Last night on the train home... we had THIS bizarre experience. Watch and see:

Seriously. The cleanest subway system EVER, and there's a fully-formed spider web on it (sorry you can't see that better). A CROWDED train. That was probably in use all day. I was shell-shocked. The only plausible explanation I could think of was that, in all likelihood, the last person cleaning the train doesn't quite have the same eye-level that I do. But still. I wish you could see the indifference from the 85 other people in the car. Bizarre.

Rehearsal went much better last night, and even though I still feel rather subpar to the rest of the boys singing "All of Me", I got some good notes from Ai-san, and Daniel (the guy that cast me out of LA who was visiting this week) gave me some clarifications and helpful insight as well. Luckily the next two nights I just get to sit and watch the other teams rehearse, and hopefully we'll be done in time tonight to make the Mermaid Sayonara. And as my lovely friend Jonathan helped me point out, how bizarre is it that my vocabulary now consists of things like "dozo before the Mermaid Sayonara". Wow.

In finitum, I was very sad to hear of Ted Kennedy's passing last night. I've always held this aura of mystique toward the Kennedy family, but in watching CNN and reading up on his history online, I found myself in awe of what a great political man he was. And as someone well aware of the battles we are still fighting for equal rights in this country, I commend that man for his tireless battles to end discrimination. What an honor to have people on both sides of the spectrum mourn your absence and congratulate your lifetime of achievement. Bravo, Senator.

WTF, Japan? Part 3

Today's WTF... Smoking.

I just don't get it, Japan. Why do you love smoking so much? Because I'm pretty sure it causes cancer and kills you. After all, you are, in essence, inhaling burning poisonous chemicals into your lungs, and heck, the whole world is fighting that global warming battle which pretty much is the same thing on a much larger scale. And as a country that's so proud of its life expectancy (I just read some report on line that women in Japan have 3rd highest), I'm gonna guess that smoking isn't gonna help you keep that record!

So what is it? Is it because it's young and hip and looks cool? I don't know...

But that's not even today's WTF. Because here's the real WTF...

Why are your smoking laws SO INSANELY BACKWARDS?! WTF?! You have some pretty sensible ones after all... One can't smoke whilst walking, or on the street (it's that cultural thing) unless you are in the designated smoking areas, and your legal age limit to smoke is 20. And as a culture of respect, your people respect that. They don't smoke on a bike, or while walking, or even on the subway like some crazy man in New York on the N train. Or that guy in the bathroom on the Bolt Bus to DC. But I digress... You have some good laws.

So I mean, yeah. That's awesome. Go Japan.

BUT WHY OH WHY haven't you passed indoor smoking laws yet?! Where are we, Alabama?! When I go out to eat at night, or heck, in the middle of the day, I don't really want to sit a smoke-filled room. When I order at McDonald's, I'd really prefer it not be in thick cloud of densely poisonous chemicals. I guess maybe I could tolerate the idea of bars still allowing smoking, but why restaurants or bars that serve food?! Majide?! That's just crazy!

You still have SMOKING SECTIONS. Do you realize how passe that is? How 1983 that is?! When I walked into a Steak & Shake in Iowa and was asked if I wanted smoking or non, I pretty much threw up on the hostess. But I was in backwoods Iowa after all. Yet you pride yourselves on being a forward, sophisticated country. No one, NO ONE, wants to sit in a den of smoke, even people who smoke. So just cut that out already! And if you are going to have smoking sections, could you possibly ENCLOSE them so those nasty smells don't search the whole restaurant and attack my poor little nose? And maybe put them in the back so I don't have to walk through them to get to my poor little forgotten non-smoking table, aka only half-smoking?! Is that too much to ask?

In every hotel lobby, ballroom, and restaurant, people are free to KILL ME FASTER with their poison sticks without my permission. And of this, I am not a fan.

Yet you are deathly afraid of the swine flu and wear doctor masks everywhere at all times, when I'm pretty sure the 90,000 it's maybe gonna kill this year are nothing compared to the MILLIONS OF PEOPLE WHO DIE FROM LUNG CANCER AND OTHER SMOKING-RELATED ILLNESSES EVERY YEAR.

I'm sorry for shouting. In all caps. But seriously, WTF, Japan? Pass some darn smoking laws already and prevent innocent people working at their jobs as waiters or performers or artists from being unfairly poisoned by second hand smoke and unnecessarily driving up the costs of already unaffordable health care. Is that too much to ask?

Meanwhile, if you don't change this, I'd like to remind you that you will be losing a lot of my eating and drinking business since my life pretty much revolves around my throat which thrives on fresh air. Because... yeah. I came home last night and used my oxygen tank from Fuji to clear my lungs. I needed it after a single night out with Japanese people when, at the top of Mt. Fuji at 12,000 feet where the oxygen is 56% of its concentration at sea level, I felt perfectly fine.

WTF, Japan?! Jump on the proper, big city, grown-up, forward-thinking train that Boston and London and New York and LA and Denver and even some backwards parts of the US are on, and protect yourselves from the deathsticks. Or I might just take my alien self back to the Big Apple.

Christmas Came Early to Tokyo

Well, not really.

Christmas only came early to Toph. Via Mastercard. And by his own purchasing power. So I guess that isn't really Christmas...

But still, this kid got his Christmas wish. I got a bike yesterday!

And yes, it's a bottom-of-the-line one-speed, with a frame built only for Japanese-sized people and it doesn't really have shocks when you go over bumps, but it's MINE all MINE. With a basket for my backpack, a bell, and a headlight that lights up when you pedal!

And I think I've decided to call him Rupert. Or Pete. As in Coors. Cuz he's a silver bullet. Of course that wouldn't really work if I spray paint him green with the can I bought, and Cathy already tried to veto that idea... Thoughts? Suggestions? I open the comment board to you!

Rupert/Pete has already taken me on a new adventure to the lazy river at Higashino Pool where, for 150 Yen I got to lay out in the sun and float around in a circle with a bunch of Japanese people. It was awesome. And even though, for some strange reason, Coke is delicious here and Pepsi (especially from Wendy's) is different and NASTY, they had a vending machine with cool Pepsi cans at the pool, I had one, and it was so TASTY. Interesting that nasty and tasty are only different by one letter.

He also took me to work SOOOOOO quickly and I safely parked him in the 24 hour lot for 50 yen since I clearly did not want him to have to visit bike jail his first day with me. Yesterday actually made me wonder why I waited so long to treat myself to this amazing 9800 Yen masterpiece when he is so incredibly useful! And don't worry, all you worry-warts, he has a bike lock installed on his backside and I'm sure to always use it! With my HSM keychain too!

This was followed by one of the most DELICIOUS meals I've ever had in my life. We had a Sayonara Summer Party Party in the same ballroom we had our show in, and the food was incredible!

I tried Octopus for the first time in my life...

...and I really liked it! It's really chewy and kinda tastes like ham. We had truffle carbonara pasta, coconut curry, sushi, meatloaf, and at least 47 other dishes I can't think of right now. I had so much food I thought I was going to explode.

And beer too. Yum.

There were crazy performances on the ukelele -- basically a recital of all that they had been practicing for the 2 weeks. We did a crazy Nauko-san version of Hawaiian/Saints/Dr. Jazz that involved crazy costumes, Campbell and I as Mickey and Minnie, and audience participation choreography that included playing the DS, napping, and our 300 yen combo meals at the cafeteria. Priceless.

.

There was a video message from Ai-san and a bunch of speeches I didn't understand, but I loved them nonetheless.

Then a big group of us went to Roti's House (a restaurant) in Ikspiari for MORE food and beer and conversation, and then I stopped by the Hub briefly on the way home to see all the gai-jin. I just couldn't stomach any more smoke or alcohol at karaoke, so Rupete brought me home and off to bed I went.

But the truth is, I'm glad we had our final party, but I'm also glad it's really over. It's been so hard repeatedly saying goodbye to different sets of the Summer Party cast to the point that I'm much happier not having to send anyone off anymore. It's hard when you realize you might truly never see some of them ever again. At least in New York, you know you'll always run into familiar faces, and I'm sure I will here in Tokyo, but once I'm gone... Yeah. I think ready to start this tech week of BBB and get the show open so I can really start having some fun!

My First Tokyo Roller Coaster

So I'm homesick. Really homesick.

But the ironic thing is, I'm not homesick in the traditional I-miss-my-house-and-the-United-States-and-get-me-out-of-this-foreign-country sort of way. I still haven't felt that way. I'm homesick in the oh-my-goodness-I-miss-my-FRIENDS sort of way. 'Cause see the thing is...

I'm in this amazing place having these amazing experiences, and I'm not sharing them with the people I care about the most. And while I'm having a pretty good time with the people here, and while I love my adventures out into Tokyo by my lonesome, there're just so many things I wish I could share with my bests and my family. And I wish, when I'm tired and grumpy at the end of the day, that I could come home and have a glass of wine with my roomies... I really just wish I could have my people here WITH me.

-- Every time I'm out shopping I wish bestie was here.

-- I so wish Kate and I could have climbed Fuji-san together.

-- Sitting beside Lake Chuzenji, I just wanted Chad to name a rock for Kate all over again.

-- I want Will and Zak to make me laugh on the way to work.

-- I'd die if somebody were to "Brr... still have it" at the end of a midnight rehearsal.

-- I want Hils to laugh when the Japanese talk about my long hashi (or femurs) as much as she does.

-- I want Cathy to take me out for the best sushi and sake we've ever had.

-- I want LP to be my tourist buddy and walking friend and haul butt up all the shrine steps and make it seem like I stick out less (when we'd probably stick out more!)

-- I want to have Olive Garden substitution at Momolopapa's with Joshua.

-- I want to laugh about everything Japanese and dramatic with Kevy.

-- I want Jared to see every dragon and anything elemental I run into and explain to me what it means!

-- Every time I see a little Japanese kid, I just wanna sit with Lauren and giggle and stare.

I just can't help it. I want EVERYONE here with me.

But I know these things won't happen, and I just have to give myself time to make those kind of friends here. And when my bests come to visit, well, then I'll smile and share!

Instead, I cheered myself up today by taking an adventure into Tokyo Dome City and having Ting Tang Tang for dinner!

Supposedly I rode the 5th tallest rollercoaster in the world,

but having been on Millennium Force (4th) and seeing Top Thrill Dragster (2nd) in person at Cedar Point, it honestly didn't seem that high. And it's really only 218' at its highest point since it is built on top of the third story of a building. Nonetheless, it was very fun, had a crazy steep and fast lift hill, and happens to go through a hole in the shopping center

and the center of the world's only centerless ferris wheel.

But I wished it had been longer and had some more bunny hills towards the end.

I was surprised, however, at how incredibly smooth it was, even with the crazy twists and drops. And I got to ride in the very last of the 12 rows (since they assign them to you) which meant I got to go at top speed!

The best part about the day is that since LaQua has free admission, I only had to pay 1000 yen to ride the coaster the one time and then went about my day! And I've never seen such efficient ride operation and smiling faces from the operators. They even welcomed you back with applause for surviving, and had complimentary lockers at the station for your stuff before you rode. And there weren't gates to the coaster because they just expect you to follow the rules and wait until they give you the okay! I can't even imagine what that would be like in the States.

I followed my crazy coaster ride with a trip to the nearby Korakuen garden. Despite the impending storm and ominous thunder, it never rained and I got some beautiful pictures of the peaceful place. I only wish you could truly escape, since you could hear the noise of Tokyo, the screams from the rollercoaster, the deafening cicadas, the crowds at the Tokyo Dome, and the chainsaws in the garden removing a dead tree. But nonetheless, I'm glad I stopped by.

I took a different and longer train route home to see a bit more of Tokyo to the East of where I live, and stopped and got Chinese food for dinner. Now I'm just chilling out and missing my friends and family.

No worries. I'm sure I'll feel better on the flipside!

One month from home...

Well, today was a special anniversary. I have been in Japan exactly one month, today. Right now.

And I'm still in love. I think this first month has been pretty rockin'. I can't really even begin to comprehend all the wonderful things that have happened in a month.

I've climbed Fuji, visited Yokohama, seen the sights and beaches of Kamakura/Enoshima, travelled to the shrines of Nikko, seen the natural beauty of Chuzenji-ko, rehearsed, opened and closed Summer Party, nearly opened "Big Band Beat", made some wonderful Japanese friends, learned a little bit of Japanese myself, and also seen various neighborhoods and sights of Tokyo, including Shibuya, Harajuku, Asakusa, Ueno, and Aki-Habara. Not half bad, ne? Even better if you understood that run-on list of a sentence.

And yet I still haven't gotten a bike, mopped my floor, or finished putting up pictures of home.

But I mean, that's pretty ridiculous when you think about the fact that I got off a plane and couldn't speak a lick of Japanese 31 days ago. Wow.

So today, we had a brief rehearsal at BBB that consisted of a show observation and shadowing backstage. Which left me ample time to stop by the hotel and say "Gambate" to everyone for their last 2 shows. I also confirmed that most everyone would be at the Otksare Summer Party Party on Tuesday, and even found myself learning choreography for a little Sayonara skit! I managed to also come home and get laundry washed and some dinner cooked before the real event of the day.

So I met the cast down at Ikspiari (the mall in between the Disney parks) and because many of the bars were calling it a night, we stopped at the international market, grabbed some beers, chu-hi's and snacks, and found a little alcove where we could convene. You see, there's this brilliant thing about Japan that we don't have in the States. There aren't any open-container laws here! And since the people are very polite and respectful, it really isn't a big deal if you wanna walk down the street with a beer in hand. (Except for the fact that culturally they don't walk and eat or drink, which is also why there aren't really any trash cans, but I digress...). Basically, this means, if you can't find a bar to have your cast party in, you can just grab some cheap drinks from the store and throw one yourself at some benches outside the mall!

So we did.

And what ensued was one of the most hilarious and truly wonderful parties of my life. The Japanese can party, and still manage to catch the last train home before it leaves at midnight! It's like they're completely different people from the uber-dedicated people you work with, but hanging out with them was literally some of the most fun I've had in my life.

And so here I find myself, still morose over the fact that I won't see many of these people again. And while that's the nature of our business, somehow it hurts more when you can't even figure out how to say "Stay in touch" to them. You simply grasp the memories and hold on. And maybe take a few tipsy pictures.

So all I can say is thank you. To everyone who was a part of the crazy, insane and magical experience that was Summer Party. I'm so glad we get to celebrate and send it off "Sayonara" style on Tuesday, but for now, I will miss you dearly Summer Party. Thanks for the memories!

Fuji-san

So we did it.

Yup. We climbed this guy. No big deal.

And despite the slow-as-snails tour groups, the windy rain and soaked clothes, the hut that wouldn't serve us anything other than cup of noodles, and a thick, foggy cloud when we reached the summit, I really can't complain.

Cuz we did it!

Climbing Fuji was one of the simplest climbs I've ever endured. Simple, in that the descending trail is quick and easy and relatively painless (despite my one fall) to descend. Simple in that it's a trail people of all ages can summit since the perfectly cone-shaped mountain lends itself to an even, moderate climb, with a few rock scrambles in the 7th/8th stations. Simple in the food and water and toilet supply, even if the prices reflect the altitude.

It was also one of the most difficult. Difficult in its overcrowdedness. Difficult with regard to the trail-clogging guided tours that were super slow over the rock scrambles and incapable of clearing to one side of the trail. Difficult when the wind tries to blow you off the mountain and the rain makes the rocks slippery. Difficult when you have to summit in the dark in the middle of a cloud.

But, by far, I've never seen sunrise quite like this.

It was INCREDIBLE.

And unlike the Japanese proverb, I wouldn't mind doing it again. Mostly because the summit was enshrouded with fog and I'd love to see the sunrise on a clearer day. And then I could see into the crater, and maybe even do the 90 minute loop around the top.

I'm so proud of Blair for making it to the top, despite her beliefs much of the way that she wouldn't make it. And though she was slow, she was steady, and like the turtle, finished the race with ease. She even helped slow me down, in a way that prevented me from getting over-tired or rushing the experience. And though my legs are sore and I passed out for a solid 12 hours last night, the climb was really enjoyable and painless. Even if I did fall once.

We made some wonderful new friends Drew and Sina, and though we didn't really make the climb together due to sold-out buses and a mix-up with scheduling the bus home, we had so much fun with them. We slept in a mountain hut that only Heidi would have felt at home in, and "slept" snug as sardines in a can. Literally. That tight of quarters. And we met them at the summit and made the descent together, laughing and cajoling the whole way.

We even found a restaurant in town that made delicious American pancakes!

And they were nice enough to let us kill time, change clothes, and be obnoxious gai-jin there.

So I really have to say our trip was a success. And for all the wonderful memories and experiences I feel so blessed and grateful.

-- Like copying some crazy Japanese girls, having them take our jumping picture (at the top of the post), and ending up being wonderful friends with them (if only we had the picture of all 8 of us jumping).

-- Like being denied food at our hut and having to get by with a dinner of Cup of Noodles.

-- Like hearing the crowd scream "Ohayo" at the sun when it finally decided to peek its head around the giant dog-shaped cloud that was rotating on a spit.

-- Like the oohs and aahs when the mist would clear quickly and briefly at the summit and give us a view of the sunrise.

-- Like seeing the color GREEN in the sunrise for the first time I can ever remember.

-- Like spending the night at 3400 meters and not really sleeping.

-- Like climbing a mountain in the dark and having every instinct in my mountain boy body telling me this can't possibly be a good idea, and yet, not falling off the side of the mountain!

-- Like summit-ing a mountain at 3 AM in the dark in a cloud.

-- Like seeing a string of headlamps winding up the mountain heading to see the sunrise.

-- Like seeing people just huddled up and sleeping in the rain on the side of a mountain at 3 PM, 3 AM, or 8 AM.

-- Like making a new friend and only realizing, while waiting for the sunrise at the summit of Fuji-san, that we are both from the Denver area.

-- Like trying to explain to Blair to realize that I grew up climbing mountains, and so despite starting the day at sea level and ending above 10,000 feet, this wasn't exactly a new endeavour for me and I therefore wasn't struggling too badly.

-- Like comparing elements of the hike to Jurassic Park 3 and Harry Potter.

-- Like crossing off one of my ultimate "To Do's In Japan".

And best of all, the treat of eating a homemade PB&J at 3:30 AM at the summit of Mt. Fuji.

Priceless!

You can see the rest of the best of my 231 photos on facebook by clicking here.

Thanks, universe, for this incredible opportunity. I can't wait for the next adventure in Japan!

Preparations for Fuji-san

Wednesday, August 19th, 2009.

7:00 P.M.: My final performance of "Mickey and Minnie's American Music Journey" at the Disney Ambassador Hotel begins.

8:37 P.M.: During the final kickline in the New York scene, despite laughing with everyone beforehand that I would not cry, I find myself tearing up with joy at the fact that I was blessed to have the amazing Summer Party experience. I mean, heck, I'm in Tokyo in a Tux singing in Japanese whilst doing a kickline with Chip, Dale, Donald, Goofy, Minnie and Mickey. How many people can say that? Meanwhile, let's clarify. I did not cry, I teared up.

9:15 P.M.: Walk then shuttle over to parade building to join BBB rehearsal and finally learn Chattanooga/Tuxedo Junction. Including the dance break. With the lift. In about 30 seconds.

10:30 P.M.: As rehearsal (and my 12- hour day that was preceded by a 14-hour day) gets out, I remind everyone to keep it on the DL that we are climbing Fuji. Confirm with Blair that Drew and Sina will be joining us, and that I will make the hut reservation during the day tomorrow.

Thursday, August 20th, 2009. Payday!

11:00 AM: Wake up and make a reservation for 4 at the Fuji-san hotel without meals, per Shiloh's recommendation.

3:00 PM: Finally get off the computer and out of bed after sleeping off/recovering from the 2 previous long days.

3:30 PM: Visit the sports store in the Ito to buy a headlamp and ankle braces since I didn't bring hiking boots with me to Japam.

4:15 PM: Blair brings me one of the headlamps floating around the complex. Promptly realize I have run out of time for the day and am clearly procrastinating packing. I also then find myself indecisive as t0 what and how much of it to pack.

6:00 PM: Leave for rehearsal. Return the previously purchased headlamp and pick up some snacks for the trip. Stop at the ATM to get funds for the trip and to pay Blair back for the bus tickets.

7:30 PM: Arrive early for our 8 PM sound check rehearsal. Typical. Hang out with Eddie, one of the awesome singers who is leaving, and have a delicious donut.

8 PM: Sound check rehearsal turns out to be full-on rehearsal onstage with singers and band and Ai-san fresh from her trip to the States. Instantly realize I am unprepared and have no idea what half the blocking to the show is since I either did it once 2 weeks ago, learned it in 1 minute the day before, or have missed the rehearsals (due to Summer Party) when it was taught. Uh-oh.

10:15 PM: Finally finish Chattanooga one hour later than scheduled and instantly go into a bad mood since I want to be done at midnight as scheduled. Since I have to get up at 6 the next day. And that doesn't look promising.

11:00 PM: Girls released. I am jealous of Blair and her extra time to sleep and prepare. Turns out sound check has a second part on Wednesday (unbeknownst to us) and despite being behind, we should finish on time. I am tired anyway.

11:15 PM: The other boys sing "All of Me" first. They sound amazing. I am unprepared and do not want to go.

11:30 PM: I somehow get through the band intros and "All of Me" and instantly get asked if I am tired by Ai-san. Because I suck. Let's see... 3 show days with additional 4 hours of rehearsal in a row? Which means only 6 hours of sleep a night? Yup. I'm tired. Also, a bit sad and emotional since I had to say goodbye to that show I loved so much. Also, I haven't ever rehearsed All of Me except the one time I sang it the first day of vocal rehearsal. And was told the blocking once. And my second time rehearsing it was onstage with mic and full band. Wasn't really thinking it was gonna be great.

Oh. And I'm climbing Fuji tomorrow but I can't tell anyone that because you all jumped down Blair's throat when it got out about our plans to do it last weekend. Awesome. And you think I'd get sick anyway.

So yes. I'm tired. I wanna go home. And I don't wanna do "All of Me" when I haven't had any direction or rehearsal or sleep. At which point I get told that that wasn't good, but they won't give me notes since I'm a little tired, and that was just more like a "sound check" for me.

Which is what the schedule said.

11:50 PM: I do the first half of "Don't Mean a Thing" as our final rehearsal for the night, go first, and do it full-out without marking the blocking first. Despite having not done it on its feet since the one rehearsal two weeks ago. I thought I did pretty darn well. Instead, I get told I won't be given any notes since I've already confessed I'm tired and I clearly suck.

Because that's helpful. When someone sucks and is behind, NOT giving them notes is DEFINITELY the best way to help them get better.

12:15 AM: Released from rehearsal. Good, cuz I'm getting grumpy. Sleep on the shuttle bus home.

12:45 AM: Finally get around to packing and fearing that I have no idea what we have gotten ourselves into.

1:30 AM: Finally asleep.

Friday, August 21st, 2009. Climbing Day.

6:45 AM: Wake up call. Wishing I felt more rested and had slept better, but ready to start the journey. And here we go!