closest thing to asia

after morning class, i took a shower and went to the ala moana center to go study at barnes and nobles, but i haphazardly discovered a korean traditional dance and drum performance. i was very happy for the pleasant surprise. it's strange, how i immediately relate to such things as being from my culture, as being somehow me. it's not like i grew up around that stuff, but somehow it's programmed in me nonetheless, essential? after, i went for a long bike ride. it was beautiful as usual. it's extremely hot considering my location and the position of the earth in relation to the sun (something about summer solstice something).

i met up with 2 people from the program, a married guy from hong kong and a married gal living in singapore (i think she's from hong kong), and went to a naeng myun and kalbi place. it was delicious. the company was nice too, we have all been married about the same time, we have similar sensibilities, and we all like to eat. it was great. we all had a cold draft beer as well. we've already extended invitations to each other to visit...i really enjoy talking to them.

it's strange, i still felt quite out of my body today. i don't know if it's the fatigue or what, but perhaps i am a bit busy, especially in my mind. i guess this is the most active i have been in quite some time. i don't feel overwhelmed, but like there is so much going on. i never thought yoga camp would be so busy. and it has become a yoga camp...all the drama, the cliques, the relationships...

i had considered going to catch a movie, but i don't feel like riding my bike out there and then having to bike back after the movie. the pot luck lunch has evolved into a rent a car and go to the north shore trip...i want to go visit, but i'm so tired, i may just stay in and go to the beach and take it easy by myself. and study.

my roommate is going through a midlife crisis of sorts...he's in his 40's and recently divorced, father of 2...he keeps talking about how young he feels, and how he's gotten a compliment of looking like a teenager, and i think he owns more trendy island wear (i.e. board shorts, plaid shorts, flip flops) than i do. good thing i already had my crisis and got it out of the way...

at dinner tonite, i was talking about how this is the closest to asia i've ever been. shit, you can find kalbi and rice at the wal-mart snack place. you can get rice as a side (as opposed to toast) at ihop. most of the locals look like me. hell, most of the tourists look like me. for once, it pays to be a gook. the two friends at dinner also stated that they felt comfortable here, in the sense that non-white cultures are much more mainstream and influential on the life/culture here.

well, i have had my share of red meat this weekend. i think i will skip the north shore outing tomorrow, i should really get some much needed rest. and i need to catch up on my studying. i have a 10am class tomorrow anyhow...but today is saturday, and i will take it easy. i love island life. even as a worthless yogi wannabe on pseudo vacation...or perhaps especially because i am a worthless yogi wannabe that i love island life?