Made it all the way here, still standing...broken, but still standing. I think that's why I feel that way. We have a good time and go home and crash.
Tadashi-San and Kikue-San's Family
The next day I meet Natalie's Japanese host family, from back when she was a student. We arrive at a cafe' the family owns, Cafe' Andante. I am greeted by Kikue, the mom, Nami, the daughter, Ann-chan, the young niece, as well as a couple of other people.
I order a bunch of stuff. My body is still on cycling mode and I am as hungry as an elephant. Everyone is worried about my health and well being, asking me questions on the crash and my adventures. Then, enters Tadashi, the dad. He does not speaks as much English, but our mutual knowledge and interest in geography forms a quick bond between us. I even meet Karibu, the family's 11 year old dog.
The Beauty of the Human Heart
During our conversations they offer me to stay with them until I get better. I happily accept as I have nowhere else to go. Complete strangers, helping me. I would be much more surprised...but then again, this is Japan. During dinner, I ask "Why are you Japanese so nice?" and Tadashi-San answers "When someone like you comes to our door, we can't refuse him. It is our duty to help." Once again, I am left speechless by the Japanese mentality. I have yet to find another place like this on Earth. It is here that I have understood the beauty that is in humanity. A stranger helping another stranger for the simple fact that it is right...no other reason needed, therefore achieving the highest level of morality possible. Tadashi and his family find it hard to say my name....so, I am given a Japanese name: Taro. I think I like it lol.
Many say that this is an ugly world, filled with hate and suffering. Although true in many ways, there is more, much more to our world than just war, poverty and anger. When one hides his/her whole life inside their house, they only see the good that is in themselves. At most they see the good that is in the people who come see them, namely their friends and family. The only window to the rest of the world....a mix of news networks with possibly ulterior motives and a constant desire to "wow" its audience.
"This country is bad. That country is good. This guy did that. That girl did this. 30 dead. 50 injured. 100 missing." An ugly world indeed....
When I left my comfortable home back in Florida, I unexpectedly severed the connection I had with the rest of the world. I had no clue what was going on with the markets. I had no idea what problem grew out of Washington today. I had no time for that....nor did I care anymore. I simply forgot about it all. Life was a lot harder on the road by myself....but.........it was peaceful, wholesome, and it made sense. I had to eat. I had to sleep. I had to get somewhere. I had to do what I had to do. Once I realize it had been weeks I hadn't read the news I said: "Let the markets burn down." I could care less. None of it affected me anymore. "Let the politicians and all their voters maul each other" I would tell myself as I laughed in solitude. I had never felt so good! So free from all the nonsense. I was in a beautiful world once again, filled with forests, good people, strange characters and events, and adventure....ah, the adventure! I could not believe what a profound effect all that had on me.
If you live your whole life in your house, you will only be able to see the beauty that is in your family, friends and yourself. This is simply because you can't see the beauty of something that you can't see. Being stranded here...has shown me the beauty of many many strangers who I now consider my friends. People who have nothing to do with me. Different in every way. Language, culture, aspect, backgrounds, beliefs, ideas, past, and interests. And yet...they became my friends. Why? Because I let them in and because they did too. Not to say that once you are both looking at each other....and understand that the person standing in front of you, although different on the outside, has a story and a soul inside, it is really easy to connect.
Trust me. I won't ask you to shut the TV off. I know mine will be on as soon as I return and that I will eventually watch it. But, if you can, somehow, believe me when I say that most, as in just about everyone on Earth, is good, you will end up living in a much more pleasant world. People are good inside. You take resources away, add a bit of disaster and sprinkle a tad of conflicting ideas and yes....you might see the ugly side of humanity. But don't lose hope. Never lose hope in humanity. I have been taken in by complete strangers several times here. Fed, helped, brought to the right place, given directions, walked to the right restaurant, given presents, money, and words of encouragement. For what? For nothing in return but my smile. Most did not even know I was on a fundraising trip as I don't even know how to say that in Japanese.
But anyways, trust me........this world is not an ugly one. You just have to have the courage to open the door of your house and look around. It's all out there. I promise. But I digress.....back to the story...
Meet Fuji-San
To the world, the tallest mountain in Japan goes by the name of Mount Fuji. Not here. Here, this mountain is given the name Fuji-San. -San is something you connect to someone's name to show a level of respect. -Chan is for kids, -San is out of respect, and -Sama is for someone of great importance. So, Fabio-San is my name in Japan.
The mighty mountain is given a -San as if it was a person. Fuji-San. Not Fuji-Sama. Too impersonal perhaps with a -Sama. I am not sure. Like as if it was just another of the neighbors. One of them....with its own story, its past and its personality. When I said Mount Fuji at the table, Natalie stopped me and said, nodding with a smile: "It's Fuji-San here." She knows. Fuji-San is her neighbor too.
The following day, Tadashi-San brings Natalie and I on the mighty mountain. I am extremely sleepy. The painkillers and the pain drain all my energy. Regardless, at the top a stunning view of Japan awaits. The thin cold mountain air fills my lungs. Too many cities, too many smoggy tunnels, too many trucks blew their smoke on me on my way here. Fuji-San's air is as pure as it gets. It feels like you are standing on a balcony and you are looking down from heaven. Beautiful. As I look around, with the clouds below us, I recognize the mountains I traversed the previous days. I feel proud. I could cover immense distances in a single day. I can't wait to get back to that.
Chilling
Other than my time on Mount Fuji, most of my time is spent relaxing. I try to go to Seven-Eleven the following day. It is only a five minute walk from Natalie's home but I have to take several breaks as my body is exhausted and weak. After Natalie comes home we spend some time together eating and chilling watching funny movies. When she is not home, I spend my days in bed or on the computer. It feels good to relax. Yes. But there is also a part of me that feels trapped.
Anyways....no need to think those thoughts now. I got at least 2 to 3 weeks of recovery ahead of me if I ever want to get back on the road. Having a fridge nearby me is a problem though... I've been out in the open too long. I need to remember how to have some restraint! It's terrible!!!
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