Even as I sit in LA writing this I can’t believe I am back in the US. It seems it was last week that I arrived to the Black Diamond Lodge and met the guys for the very first time. Although winter isn’t quite yet over for me, I know the inevitable end of top to bottom snow for the year is quickly approaching.
I have been fortunate enough to see a vast amount of Japan. Not only was the domestic travel in Japan amazing, but it couldn’t have come at a more pivotal time for the country. It was surely different that I didn’t get to experience the bright lights and constant flashing of Tokyo that most people do because of the effort to save energy, however it was not at all disappointing. While the news coverage may have died down along with the imagined apocalyptic threats, it allowed me to see a side of Japan that not many foreigners will ever see: a nationwide, compassionate, empathetic understanding for the suffering of others. Tokyo was truly remarkable. It seemed everyone shared some sort of determination to help assuage the problems of countless people whom have not only lost their possessions, but people close to them as well. The dire reality of the situation is tens of thousands of people have lost their lives. In all of the major spots I walked around Tokyo there were people with earthquake relief donation stands. Even after donating to four or five stands, I found it impossible to pass by a group of five little girls singing a Japanese song I couldn’t even understand.
To step away from the touchy-feely stuff, I had a pretty kick-ass season. The snow in January probably topped any month I have ever had skiing. There wasn’t a day that it didn’t at least snow a few inches, not to mention the two days where it snowed seven feet or so. Thank you to everyone who helped me experience such an amazing country. Whether it was grabbing me a beer, putting me up for the night, or even just giving advice. I appreciate it all and will try my best to return the favor. I look forward to the next time I am able to go to the land of the rising sun and simultaneously, the falling snow. Although sometimes it can be difficult with a bit of animosity towards foreigners and a distinctive language barrier, I found far more experiences of over-the-top kindness that outweighed the difficulty. On one specific account, I asked a man who was obviously on his way somewhere just the direction of the bus. He proceeded to walk fifteen minutes presumably out of his way with me just to assure I got to where I needed to go. I wouldn’t have been so shocked if it was a one-time occurrence, but there are countless examples of the latter throughout my trip. I am still uploading videos and pictures from my trip and hope to post them soon. I just hope that if there is anything you can spare Japan does need your help. The reality of the situation is many people are still without comfort in their lives and don’t deserve the cards of fate nature has dealt them. If you want to know how to donate or act in some way just ask me. I am working on a video to try to inform a way to distribute donations to necessary areas and highlight the beautiful parts I saw in Japan. So for now, I will see you out and about in the US. However I can’t promise it will forever be where I shall reside.
