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Phew! Just ran into the dorm, from Kunitachi station, a little past midnight - in the rain. I had just come from Shinjuku Station, after transferring at the Odakyu Line. Last train at Shinjuku on weekends is a NIGHTMARE, for those who don’t know. People literally get pushed onto the train, squeezed in there like a sardines in a can. The second time in two times. I was in Kyodo tonight in the Setagaya ward of Tokyo, at a small restaurant called MALLET, to see another warm performance by Le Club Bachraf. Sadly, I arrived a few minutes late - the concert had already begun by the time I got there. When I finally got there, I realized that the atmosphere was very cosey, the place very into itself - getting yourself taken by the music came very easily to the entire audience. The reportiore tonight was exclusively Tunisian compositions, which - to those unfamiliar with it - is the kind of music that engages the listeners to the fullest. Great music. I often go to the concerts of this trio; always helps me keep things in perspective - makes me remember where I came from, gives me a sense of rediscovering my heritage, and really inspires me to keep up with my Oud practice. Oh, I also forgot to say, that I also enjoy listening to their music just because it is fun to hear. At the concert, the crowd had a very interesting mix; there was one man in there, who worked for an NGO that aids Palestinians in the Occupied Territories, there were a couple of young college students who were interested in Arabic Art and culture, there was even a group that had come from a different prefecture to enjoy the music. Interesting people. All in this little restaurant in Tokyo, out of all the places in the world

When I got back to my dorm, I picked up the Oud for a couple of hours, and I managed to stumble into a new composition, which I think sounds okay for a first take. I will definately develop it some more. I guess exposing oneself to good music brings the best out of a person. Speaking of good music, I have been listening to the music of Naseer Shamma and some other good music non-stop for three days, I guess that helps a little. Ah, the joys of music - REAL music.

As I was saying, I was on the last train from Shinjuku last night, too. I had spent much of the evening in Shibuya with Elham, a friend from the Ship for World Youth Alumni Association of Bahrain, visiting Tokyo for a conference. I am ashamed to admit that I don’t know my way around Tokyo all that well - I don’t usually go to the HIP parts of Tokyo - instead, I prefer the quiet of parks in the West side of Tokyo, the quieter side. Oh well, but, I really enjoyed the walk around Shibuya. At the end of a nearly three hour walk, we ended up at a small restaurant. Elham found the habits of waiters in this particular restaurant funny, just because they always scream things out when they acknowledge customers. Funny, huh? Depends.

Once again, it is 5.00am now. Can’t sleep, but I have NO plans for tomorrow. I might as well take it easy.

Oh well, byebye