On my first day in Japan, and abroad for that matter, I had the great pleasure of spending the day in Ueno, Tokyo, Japan. The beauty of this district in the Taito ward of Tokyo is unmatched. On top of everything it was sakura season, cherry blossom season, and the blossoms were in full bloom. Magical white and pink flowers were floating down from the trees like snow flakes. Their beauty was incomparable. Their beauty was undeniable. Although this time of the year is regarded as the most joyous time of the year, there was a dark cloud overhead.
I arrived in Japan just two weeks after the 2011 tsunami hit Japan and the Fukashima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant was mid-meltdown. There was an obvious tension in the air. The typical stolid faces of the Japanese was still unwavering but I could sense deep struggle in their eyes. Everyone was very worried about what would come of their nation and countrymen. My mental juxtaposition between this picturesque park and the terror happening about 160 miles away was burnt into my mind. I was able to discuss what was happening with a few Japanese at the hostel and they all came to a strong consensus that there would be another very strong earthquake and subsequent tsunami very soon in the future. They said this is how earthquakes in Japan happen. Just to preface, I am from Florida and have never felt the earth shake under my feet before. Their nonchalant, yet frank attitude towards the earth rumbling was startling to me to say the least. I shit you not, just a half-hour later, I indeed, experienced my first earthquake in Tokyo. The sirens went off, feeling of seasickness arose and the building began shaking. At first my inquisitive brain kicked in and I couldn’t help digging deep into my imagination about what could happen and what was going to happen but then reality kicked in and I found shelter. Thankfully the earthquake was over in 45 seconds and practically no damage was done. Now, looking back I enjoyed my little taste of reality.
In Japanese history and culture sakura represent human life. Sakura only bloom for a short period of time, but in that short period of time extreme degrees of beauty and perfection are achieved. This thought was always present in my mind as I walked through Ueno Park. The idea that 15,000 lives washed away a couple hundred miles from this beautiful location was saddening but also very revealing. A more concrete picture of my truth was unveiled to me that day, at that moment. I made a decision that I was going to live my life the way I wanted to live it and how I wanted to live it. I know the majority of the people on this planet either do not have the will, awareness or freedom to control their destinies. This is a shame and sad truth, but I was not going to be the same. Amongst those indescribable milky-white snowflakes, I made the decision to create my life the way I want it to be and know it should be. I made a decision to travel and eat my way around the world. Push it!
The emotional blossoming in Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan is a post from: EARTH EXCURSION