I went to Arlington Heights by train/bus/train/bus to attend the annual natsu matsuri. I also ordered my study guides for the JLPT. I have noticed a small change in how I interact with Japanese people. I am no longer nervous that I will not understand something. This makes it easier to concentrate on what I say. The lady helping me was a sweetheart and we talked for a few minutes. Most of the conversation was praising me, of course. I never remember to return the favor, and yesterday would have been a perfect opportunity. All the women were wearing yukatas, and looked so pretty. Japanese people complement my Japanese, and I still drift away to a gauzy world of pride.
The festival was nice. Good weather. The Taiko show was great. I got there early, about 10 am, so by 3 pm I headed home. Even though the entertainment had just started, I was beat.
There was a large contingent of young otaku there. I remember the abuse goth boys and other outcasts got from others in my high school. I largely avoided being picked on, due to my desperate attempts to fit in. I was a stoner, but in our school there was a truce with the jocks, primarily because there were some big stoner dudes in my class. But if you weren't a jock or a hood, you were probably getting pushed into a locker.
But being around the otaku yesterday, I admired their courage. Dressing like a vampire in my school didn't make you seem scary, it labeled you with a big target. So, I took the easy road; I just fit in, all the while thinking I was declaring my outcast hoodlum status. These kids stuck to their guns, I think. Also, the kids I saw yesterday were awkwardly learning to communicate and developing sociologically. My group in high school got high, made fun of each other, and got into trouble. The kids yesterday were having fun and seemed pretty smart.
High school. I won't ever do that again.
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