Autumn in Nagoya, Japan

Two months in Nagoya, Japan. Long enough to transition from warm monsoon days to crisp autumn days.  Its a wonderful season to visit Nagoya a bustling growing metroplex but still intimate enough to be able to run into friends and play guitar at a club and bike around the city.


 After a 9 month COVID induced hiatus we are finally back-albeit with special invitation from the Japanese government that restricts our movement and places we can frequent (no bar hopping).  Masks have always been the norm here, so nothing looks particularly unique in that regard. All around the city construction is happening with new skyscrapers throughout.  


It's great to experience the unique foods of Nagoya again (French, Thai, Indian, Japanese, and best ribs and apple crisp in the world (Weekend BBQ).  My favorite?  Thai softshell crab peppered and covered in garlic at Pei Rei (see first pic in link above).  Restaurants have reopened but the clientele is still sparse.  Some restaurants haven't survived and others are just getting by. 


Local gyoza-the best!
La Peche French Bistro




Udon & Curry

Kayo's Fushimi Bal       Syachi-ichi udon    




Bird's Cafe

Its nice to re-experience the graciousness and cleanliness of the Japanese and the enthusiastic politeness of the Hilton hotel staff. (Watch the movie, "Lost in Translation" to better understand what that is).  Its good to catch up with friends and hear how they are coping with the challenges of life in the new 

Okonomiyaki



COVID paradigm.  Mostly I hear the same ongoing search; for contentment,  relationship and opportunity- whether they are 20, 30, 40 or 50. To the "conscious beings" I find myself offering the wisdom of Anthony de Mello,  Scott Peck, Steven Cave, Yuval Harari and Eckhart Tolle in various proportions. As the trip unexpectedly stretches out there are some aspects that are mundane. 
Work is productive when it happens... 

Mask wearing is emblematic of my feeling of confinement. But gone are the days of jetting off to Okinawa or Thailand to scuba during a work hiatus. Too many take to drink to fill the void. A day hiking trip to the mountains is a welcome respite.



But only fills only some of the time and too much of it feels monotonous and unfulfilling. I re-watch,  "Honeyland" and re-read, "The Power of Now " to regain " perspective-  but it is fleeting. I'm ready to break free of the Lockheed "tit" and start a new life phase. COVID "moved my cheese" and stands in the way of great around the world adventures. Can I (should I?) hold on at least until a vaccine has opened up the world. Earn a little more for my Rocket-man ticket around the earth? My friends who have already crossed over beckon me. Time is dropping through the hourglass...



Location: Nagoya, Aichi, Japan

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