In further news

I sit on the couch in my Sisters apartment, watching Tech Support steal a tank from the EDC (Red Faction reference), and wonder how much rest is too much rest?

To recap:

I spent the first two weeks in Lompoc. I slept a lot and did little. It was ultimately good for me, but still a lazy time. I came down to LA, here at my sisters, and have done much the same. I have been somewhat active. I've been hanging out with friends, gone to the beach, gone to the pier (on multiple occasions), and so on. Not a lot, but certainly some amount of activity.

About a week ago I joined my friend and his band for a brief two day stint. I was supposed to tag along for the whole trip but decided it was gonna be way too much. And they smelled. Upon returning I hung out with some friends, and lazed around doing nothing. I felt ok with this as I realized I was not a horribly social person, and am more apt to enjoying my own company anyways.

But how much is too much?

To counter-act this I have a rather busy month and a half ahead. In two days I leave for Lompoc, two days after that the Bay area. After four or so days of hanging out I return to Lompoc and get to enjoy a little more quality time with the parents, who probably think I'm crazy now, as my summer has gone all haywire. I will shortly have to return to LA anyways, visit a few friends I need to, and then return back to Lompoc. And on August fourth I go to Peru for three weeks.

This is all well and good really, I have friends to see, fun stuff to do, and my family will love me anyways (I think). But I do feel bad about some things. I'm not spending as much time with the parents as I said I would. Do they really care? Prolly not, they get to live vicariously through me in Peru. I'm also not getting a job. I feel this is ignoring my responsibility to myself, but I'm not hard off financially, so. Also, not really pursuing any passion either. Then again, I don't really have any. This isn't entirely true as I am travelling, one of my favorite things. But other than that, not really advancing my (possible) film degree.

So what have I accomplished with this entry? Very little, but now there's a little insight into my thought process.

Theo =)

Rest and Relaxation

I don't think I realized how tired I was until I started sleeping 10 hour nights again.

Wow, its been a long time since I've done that on a consistent basis.

Now that I'm not in a social circle things have slowed down a little bit. Its nice to get a little time off. Soon I will be returning to LA where I plan to spend a lot of time hanging with friends and so on. Will that happen, who knows. I certainly wont be moving around 24-7, but I'm hoping to be pretty busy. Then upon returning I'll try to exist somewhere between kinda busy and relaxing. I plan to watch a lot of movies, finish up a few projects, and work out a little. That last one is probably just pure optimism. But mostly I plan to have a relaxing summer with little worries.

Oh, and I wanna go to China. Well, maybe not China, but somewhere else, maybe Ecuador. Or Chile. Or Brazil. I dunno if its possible, I do have the money, and the time. But I dunno, I don't really have anyone to go with. I also dunno if I really wanna spend the money, I have a big trip planned for next summer. But then again, who knows if I'll go next summer. My friends could bail, then what'd I do?

So really, who knows what the summer holds. I doubt things'll go like I want. I might achieve something, but I might not. Whatever, sometimes you just gotta stop worrying.

Theo =)

I survived

I entered Sunday with two 5 + page papers and two art projects due in the next week...

Oh my god, the pain.

I spent all of Monday working on my essay for film. It was a piece about Akira Kurosawas intention in influencing opinion in Rashomon. Writing this paper was like bleeding through my skull. The subject was at least fun. I was up until 5 on Tuesday working on my knitted art project, which was more never ending than actually difficult. I then woke up at 9, getting a full four hours of sleep and being late for class. Oddly enough I was completely awake the next day. Wednesday was spent on the other art project, and thursday was the research paper. Both were easier than the first two. I still feel completely drained after all that work.

I did survive and now feel much better for myself having made it through the quarter. I actually enjoyed this quarter, in comparison to my other two. Writing 2 was a kinda bleh class, but coupled with art and film, things worked out. Film turned out to be the gem actually, as it is now my major course.

I only have one final next week, on Thursday, so I have a week to study and hang with friends. It's kinda sad coming to the end, but I feel like I'm ready, especially since I wasn't even sure I was gonna continue with college. Now that its over though I have some fun times planned ahead, a week at home, a couple weeks in LA and then Lompoc... Which I have mixed feelings about. I'm gonna love spending time with my parents, watching friday night lights and learning to drive. At the same time theres nothing in the actual city of Lompoc for me. Once I get a job that'll probably change, and I think I'll learn to like the town. But I think I'm more aproaching things cautiously. I dont know what the summer holds but I'm prepared for whatever.

Theo =)

Feeling sane again

WARNING: This blog entry really isn't very interesting, more of a self retrospective for myself. Read it if you wan't but hopefully I'll put up a more interesting one in the future.

It is with joy that for the first time (probably) since I showed up to college I feel sane again. My year has not been completely depressing or insane or anything, I just have been figuring my stuff out a little bit. Certainly while I was traveling I figured plenty out, but not completely. So, in recap:

First quarter was ok, although not great. Got used to dealing with a 24/7 social circle again, and then remembered why I hated high school. After fussing around for a bit I finally figured out that I really didn't want to do the physics major, or any engineering major for that matter. I just lost all passion for it somewhere, if I even had any. I managed to escape the quarter with decent grades, beleive it or not. I was definitely very done with math and science though. I made some new friends and despite my hatred for high school and all things social resurging I actually did ok. Not good, or even fine, but ok. I left for winter break looking forward to seeing the family and with a sudden love of shoes, specifically vans.

I returned second quarter with a renewed purpose as I got to try out some new classes. Was also in Japanese 2, ready to start learning the language again. I continued to be social but fell back in to some bad habits. I got really unhappy as things wen't south acedemically. I got really bored of both Art History and Politics. I just felt like I wasn't doing anything with my life. Outside of class all I did was mope around. Then things sorta fell apart socially, as I made a few freinds annoyed and stopped going out on the weekends. I was pretty depressed. On the bright side I discovered a new sense of fashion. I felt like I looked better if nothing else. I finished things off and then wen't on my trip to Japan.

I have already blogged about my trip to Japan, it was really a lot of fun. I returned to school and things were all kinds of messed up. I had done so badly in my grades last quarter that I was mildly ashamed. I even failed Japanese 2 and had to find a new class to replace Japanese 3, as I could no longer take it. I was really unhappy and had to make a decision about staying next year or not. I made some calls to the family, made a few decisions in my head, and started having a lot of fun in school again. Film turned out to be a blast, and Art is also pretty groovy. I actually enjoy doing the reading and going to class. As things got better there I also started to make better desicions socially. I started to figure some stuff out about myself as well.

Things aren't all great. I'm having some trouble with a friend, although I'm not sure I could describe it. I still don't really have much of a clue in being social. I think things are going better though and finally have gotten past the unhappiness of the first two quarters. Writing 2 isn't really interesting, but its at least a chill class. I have to get good grades to make up for last quarter, and hopefully I can. If nothing else Art should be ok.

The most important thing though is that I am starting to feel like I have a purpose and know myself again. I have a video camera on the way in the mail and am enjoying my usual activities even more. Things are going good... for the moment =)

Theo =)

In retrospect

I have returned from the far off land of Japan, a happier and wiser man. Or something like that.

I had a lot of fun, and am sorry its taken a while to get this last entry up. I've been getting back in to school mode and had to deal with some problems that had arisen while I was gone. Things are set now though and I will now deliver part three of my trilogy about Japan.



I started my fifth day by heading over to some sort of flea market that springs up around Kitano Tenmangu every 25 of the month. Apparently this is not an uncommon practice, as, for those who remember, I had already attended one earlier in the week.



Had to walk through some other shrine nearby before I found the right one.



Ah, the flea market. Shopping is so much fun



There were quite a lot of people, and plenty of good food.



Oh god, more lanterns!



The shrine itself was pretty nice. There were a lot of pretty trees blossoming, and nice little prayer areas.



The main part of the shrine. It was pretty chill. From here I decided to head up to Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion.



Look, a co-op in Kyoto. Who'da thought.



This is the entrance to the area where Kinkakuji is.



Engrish, in its purest form.



The golden pavilion. Pretty chill, although not as big as I thought it would be. Definitely impressive.



It was a very pretty layout. The pond/lake in front is very beautiful.



This big bird was chillin. Maybe a blue heron or something?



There was some modern art right next to the path. Not sure why.



A little more up close view of the pavilion.



More pretty pond.



This was a separate pond, also chill. I love the gardens they have set up at all the temples and shrines. From here I went back to the hostel and chilled for a little while before heading back out.



Some of the family should remember this from last time.



The entrance to Nishi Honganji, which was pretty big. Hard to figure out the layout.



The temple was, unfortunately, under construction, so I could not visit the garden.



On my way to the next temple the sky had a foreboding look. Here's a shot from the walkway above one of the streets.



I eventually wandered over to Toji temple, with its five story pagoda.



Another pretty garden. I sat here for a while, just enjoying life.



The pagoda, and yours truly.



A square pond... thing. After this temple I went to try and meet up with Rez in the train station. We failed but we did meet at the hostel. After talking for a little while we decided to head for sushi, my favorite.



I win. Rez likes sushi, but not to the same caliber that I do. After this we wen't back and decided to pass out. We woke up the next day and decided to head for Fushimi Inari.



This look familier to anyone?



The first, of many many Tori's.



Sometime my life feels like an endless set of... oh wait, I think I've already said that.



They were having some sort of service or something when we showed up. They were chanting something at least.



Rez, looking happy in such a foriegn land.



Another tori.



Me, standing underneath the tori. For those who don't know, Fushimi Inari is just rows of these things, all the way up and down the mountain.



The fox's are the gaurds, or something like that. They look cool anyways.



Rez likes taking alternative paths, wherever they might lead. This one wen't to some small shrine or something over by the side. Not really worth the picture space.



More tori, up and up we go.



I remembered this lake really well from my first visit.



We just kept walking.



There were some spots were you got really good views of the city. This was one such spot.



Shrine kitty, lazying about.



You can vaugly see Rez surveying the path ahead, which I was very doubtfull of.



This is why. We ended up in the suburbs of Kyoto... I was not enthused. I guess these things happen though. I survived. We eventually found our way back to the main street leading up to the shrine. We had some good lunch and then tried to find our way to the imperial villa. See the garden. It took forever and we had some trouble getting there. We were both tired and a little sickly. It happens when you travel.



We did eventually get there, although the actuall garden can only be seen by permit. The entrance area was still really pretty.



Yay blossoming trees. Maybe a cherry blossom tree? I dunno.



Again, more pretty trees. We headed back, got dinner I think, and chilled out for a while. We evtually managed to pick up the energy and went to Nijo castle, illuminated.



There we are, happy and travelling. Don't we look nice.



The pictures turned out either wierd or neat. My camera doesn't do so well at night.



It wasn't actually lit up that much, but the trees and so on were really pretty.



The water effect on the walls was pretty neat, glad I could get a picture of it.



My path is illuminated before me.



More pretty trees, and interesting photos.



There was some sort of performance and music in a little room of to the side of the end area.



The end area, some shopping and so on. Rez got a few things and then we went back to the hostel. We planned out our next day and then hit the hay. In the morning we grabbed a bus pass and started our journey.



We went to Ryoanji temple, looking for another garden. As you can see, we found it.



I'm a big fan of ponds.



This is the rock garden... miniature.



This is the actual one. It was under a little bit of construction. Still, pretty awesome. I felt very at peace here.



The rocks were pretty neat.



It all means something but I can't remember what. I will have to borrow the book I got dad.



Really, very cool.



There were plenty of viewers, also appreciating the pleasant garden.



This water basin is famous, although I cant remember why. Maybe the maker?



I love trees.



There was a stream running underneath the path. Pretty cool.



Dunno what these were, but I liked them.



More trees.



Etc.



Bell shaped flowers.



Rez wanted to try international McDonald's. I tried the classic Big Mac, he went for the shrimp burger. We were both pleasantly surprised.



After a long morning we decided to catch the train for Tokyo. On the way we saw what I can only assume was mount Fuji. After that it took a little bit of figuring but we managed to get the right trains to Asakusa and eventually our hostel.



They were boxes. Literally. They stayed dark pretty easy though.



After setting down we wandered out to find a good spot for dinner. We were both kinda tired but having a lot of fun wandering around Japan. We eventually settled on a place that served Tonkatsu and other fried food. It ended up being our expensive dinner. I really enjoyed it, Rez decided east asian curry wasn't as good as Bangladeshi curry. Afterwerds we went back to the hostel and slept.



Rez is really a child in an Adults body. We headed out for our last full day, on the way antagonizing some pigeons.



We headed to the local temple, down the big shopping street, and had fun looking around. We both ended up doing a lot of shopping.



There were lots of people, and it was undercontrustion. Last time I was here it was not.



There was plenty of praying, as Rez observed. We did the wandering and shopping and then went our seperate ways for a little while. I was tired, and Rez wanted to explore. After a while he showed back up and we went to Akihabara to show him the modern side of Japan.



He was not dissapointed. We played those crane games that eat your money until we were almost at our limit, necessitating that we eat the next day. After a couple hours we went back to Asakusa and had some standing sushi. Cheap and delicous, wonderful little place.



To be proper about our send off we had to do some Karaoke. It was a lot of fun.



The next morning we felt mister donut was apropriate. I had a melon soda, so good.



Again, a child in a grown up body. We wandered around Asakusa some more, visiting the local park area along the river.



I grabbed some mochi on our way back to the shopping street. Sooo good. We wandered through the shopping area some more. Played silent hill, the arcade shooting version. Had our last meal at Yoshinoya, oddly enough. And then it was time to leave.



And thus our travels neared the end, and we were both very, very tired.

I caught my plane without any trouble, Rez getting his a couple minutes before me. The ride back was pretty easy, although, even with the use of nyquil, I didn't fall asleep. The "next day" was pretty odd, spending most of it in a haze. Mostly I just tried to stay up for the proper length of time.

After all of that I must say I had a truly wonderful time. I love to travel, more than anything else. Japan is one of my favorite places to visit. Shrines, and sushi, and cute japanese women. Good stuff. Anyways, after several days I finally have finished this entry.

Theo =)

So tired... but so happy...

I have done a fair bit of walking in the last few days, for the record. My feet are a little sore and that one spot in my knee is starting to feel like pain. But that is ok, because I am still happy. Had kinda a funny day today, started thinking about home and the US. That got me kinda depressed, but I bounced back. I don't hate home, I just like traveling better. Anyways, from where we left off.

I wanted Kobe to be a rest day, but ended up having to do a lot of walking. Left the hostel at 11, said goodbye to the nice owner and fellow hosteler. Didn't even get to the waterfall I wanted to see, which requires a rope way lift. Oh well, next time.



Saw this on the way back to the station. Kinda out of place. Also didn't get to eat Kobe beef, was too hungry and didn't want to walk forever. Went to Nara and wandered around the park there. Camera battery died so this is all actually from today, when I went again, because it is a beautiful park.



Sometimes I feel lke my life is a flight of stairs. Sorta.



What you looking at?



More for dad.



Pretty little pavillion thing.



Pretty stuff.



Yay spring, when things start to bloom.



Went to this cool botanical garden, had some neat Japanese named plants.



A pond setup.



My first sighting of koi actually, oddly enough.



Lots of empty trees.



I'm pretty sure this is a cherry blossom tree. It was really cool anyways.



Yellow.



They start you off with a few lanterns.



More big toris.



Then they give you some more.



And more...



And more...



They starting looking familiar.



I wish there was a path like this on campus. There might be a similar one though, with redwoods.



Just chillin, doin some sunbathing.



I enjoyed sitting at this spot.



Big old wooden gate. Really impressive.



Don't mess with this guy.



Or this one. They be tough.



Todai-ji, big ol temple.



Me, in my slight glory.



Big Buddha. I felt the odd urge to climb it.



Dango, a nice little mochi treat.



This pagoda was pretty nice.




Kokufugi I believe is how you say it.

After all of that I borded the train to Kyoto and promptly fell asleep. Very out of it. Made it to the hostel here and have been here ever since. Couldn't bring myself to get up and actually do anything. Will probably go get dinner, but otherwise maybe just sit around in the lobby.

Yay Japan!

Theo =)

I really love to travel

So, I realized somewhere in my last trip (to Europe) that I love everything about traveling. It just makes me happy. I would be doing something mundane, like walking, and suddenly just feel excited. Nothing will prompt it, just suddenly, emotion. This trip has been much the same, and it makes me want to do something like own a hostel or spend the rest of my life abroad. I don't know exactly where this love comes from, and what about being abroad makes it like this, but I feel at home when I'm on the road... If that makes any sense.

Anyways, all went well in departing from San Fransisco.



Airport looked much as any of them do. Flight was pretty long but I did ok, hadn't seen any of the inflight movies so did that most of the time. Not that they were that great.

On my first metro I notice a little piece of engrish.



Don't want priority seat to see you on the phone, he'll mess you up.



This was dinner, recommended by the nice people at J-hoppers. They enjoyed my slight knowledge of Japanese.

Woke up in the morning and headed out to the reason I choose this hostel.



Its listed in their directions. Had one of mothers favorites, the Angel Cream donut. After breakfast headed out for my busy day in Osaka. Started of at the Shitennoji flea market. Pretty cool shrine, although it was rainy so the market seemed a little slow.



Stone Tori.


Plants, for my father.



Rain definitely slowed things down, although it did get a little busier later.



Raijin and Fujin, per usual.



Wavy rock/sand courtyard.



The center of the complex. Cool place, supposedly Japans oldest temple.



Red tori.



Icheniji temple I think. Had more people in it for sure.



Pretty tree.



There I am, not sure why I'm crouching. Had a better shot, but my camera swallowed a few of the pics.



Pretty pond at Tennoji park.



Also for my father, a four legged stone lantern.



Different pond in Tennoji park.



This was one of the many crowded streets in Den Den Town.

While I was in Osaka I also went to the Museum of Fine Art (I think that was the title) and wandered around the shopping districts. The museum had a lot of really cool art, I'm kinda sad I didn't pick up a book. I broke my headphones on the plane so I picked up a new pair. Also went shopping for new clothes. Got a pair of shoes (I know, I'm crazy) and a shirt. Both were expensive and awesome. Shoes don't really look Japanese in any way, but hey, I bought them in Japan. That makes them awesome.

Left for Kobe and managed to get on the wrong train. Had to backtrack and showed up late to the hostel, but I made it at least. Now I'm just gonna chill out, not do much this morning. Gonna make Kobe a rest point. Probably all I'll do is go see the local waterfall and get some good beef.

Theo =)