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I’ve been away from my blog for a relatively “long” time. Nothing special has been going on lately, but I have had the chance to meet a lot of good friends lately. A couple of weeks ago, I had the chance to meet three friends from Bahrain from the Ship for World Youth Association in Bahrain visiting Tokyo for a conference that brings former Sailors of the program over its 17 year history. I had a great time during the last time I met them. There was even an evening in which some of those who were with me on the 16th program last year; at the end of the party, one of my best friends, Marco, came and announced he got married a few days earlier. It was a big surprise to everyone, but I - for one - am very happy for him and I know he will make a great husband and father one day Good luck to you, Marco, with your new life.

A couple of days ago, my father called me at about 11pm, while I was playing ping-pong, with a slightly worried undertone, asking if I was okay because apparently there was 6+ earthquake in Japan, that I had NO idea about. Heheh, yeah, I have been fine, but for some odd reason, everytime I try to sleep at night, I find my room slightly shaking ,obviously some “aftershocks” of a stronger earthquake, or perhaps a warning of something to come? Either way, not much I can do about it. Since arriving here in April of this year, I have “survived” 20 typhoons and at LEAST a dozen earthquakes - some that I felt and others that I didn’t. Weird, huh? In the meantime, I’m okay, healthy and very happy here. (To my parents; don’t worry, things will be just fine )

Here’s something funny, I am going to be performing in a national Kobudo conference in the infamous Yasukuni Shrine for the War-Dead here in Tokyo on November 23, representing my school of swordsmanship. Probably the first Bahrain to every do this? Good for me, huh? I was told that I need to be wearing “tabi shoes and socks” <—-(Click to View a Picture), which is a traditional pair of shoes and socks, splitting the toe from the rest of the toes. Very light. Hehe, it’s what Ninjas used to wear, and so do some others. I have to be wearing these funny shoes, but apparently, my feet are bigger than most common sizes available in the traditional clothes market in Asakusa, so, I have to go to Ryugoku - which is famous for having a LOT of SUMO WRESTLING STABLES AND SHOPS, where I have to buy these shoes. Yes, I have to go to a SUMO WRESTLING EQUIPMENT SHOP TO GET SHOES FOR MY SWORD DEMONSTRATION. Woohoo, I am a Sumo-Sized-Bahrain-Samurai-Wannabe. Horray for me

Also, during the demonstration, I have to be wearing a Monji (Family Crest) on my uniform. As I don’t belong to any family here in Japan, I guess I can choose any emblem I want, or can even create one, but I guess that would take time. Hehe, funny, me with a family emblem? I wonder what would be suitable. I’ll think of something.

Anyways, time for my usual midnight walk.