Friday, November 18, 2005
Birthday Suit
That's right, it's past midnight so right now, in Japan, it's my birthday! I'm officially dubbing this next year the "Twenty-something Farewell Tour." Hard to believe I'll be thirty next year. I used to have a big hang-up about that; now I'm much too wise to worry about that silly little number. Before you know it I'll be old enough to run for President (in 2012)!
Tonight I got together with Scott and had some dinner. He treated as an early birthday gift to me. That was very kind of him! Sadly, they didn't offer Surf & Turf so I couldn't take full advantage of the situation. No matter, we both had a nice meal and then returned to his place for a couple drinks. We watched a little Black Rain and I threw back a liter of beer. I'm ashamed to say it barely got me buzzed! How is that possible?
After a buzz and a healthy dose of Michael Douglas we went out for a brand new experience (at least for me): a trip to a Japanese public bath! I had put this off for a while, citing a number of cowardly reasons, but when Scott suggested it this week I decided it was time to grow up a little and get over my anxieties. The truth is the awkwardness was surprisingly brief. Once you realize you're surrounded by naked people, you come to accept that no one gives a crap that you're naked too. In fact, pretty much all of the "awkwardness" from that point was just my adjustment to Japanese bathing customs, like washing yourself off before you get in. I knew about it, but when you're faced with the curious little stool and showerhead it takes a few moments to understand its operation.
After you wash off you have the option of entering several different tubs. The first one I had to try was the 電気風呂 or "electric bath." Yes, it's literally a bathtub with a mild current running through it! I stuck my foot in and I felt a gentle tingle. Thinking it was kind of nice, I stuck about half of my leg in. WOW! That fucking hurt!! I quickly pulled out and I got a little understanding smile from this old man in a regular tub nearby. I shook my head as if to say "No way I try that again" and moved on.
Ultimately, I spent most of my time in the 露天風呂, "open air bath." There were walls and such to prevent any unauthorized observation by outsiders but otherwise we were outside in a heated bath. The water was green and kind of "fizzy" which made me wonder if it was treated with any special additives or something. There was Japanese signs everywhere but obviously I couldn't make much sense of that.
Anyway, it was kind of fun and kind of not. It wasn't awkward or uncomfortable for any of the reasons I thought it would be, but I wouldn't say I found the experience all that relaxing or enjoyable either. Sure, it was fun to hang out with Scott (it always is) but to be honest sitting in a slightly-too-hot tub of water just isn't that appealing. At least I can say I shook off my apprehensions and just got in the damn water, I guess.
Anyway, as I said, I'm quite busy today and tomorrow so I probably won't update before Sunday. I'll be off with Mako celebrating my birth! Have a drink with me in mind, I'll certainly be thinking of all of you back home! Feit...out (for a little while)!!
Tonight I got together with Scott and had some dinner. He treated as an early birthday gift to me. That was very kind of him! Sadly, they didn't offer Surf & Turf so I couldn't take full advantage of the situation. No matter, we both had a nice meal and then returned to his place for a couple drinks. We watched a little Black Rain and I threw back a liter of beer. I'm ashamed to say it barely got me buzzed! How is that possible?
After a buzz and a healthy dose of Michael Douglas we went out for a brand new experience (at least for me): a trip to a Japanese public bath! I had put this off for a while, citing a number of cowardly reasons, but when Scott suggested it this week I decided it was time to grow up a little and get over my anxieties. The truth is the awkwardness was surprisingly brief. Once you realize you're surrounded by naked people, you come to accept that no one gives a crap that you're naked too. In fact, pretty much all of the "awkwardness" from that point was just my adjustment to Japanese bathing customs, like washing yourself off before you get in. I knew about it, but when you're faced with the curious little stool and showerhead it takes a few moments to understand its operation.
After you wash off you have the option of entering several different tubs. The first one I had to try was the 電気風呂 or "electric bath." Yes, it's literally a bathtub with a mild current running through it! I stuck my foot in and I felt a gentle tingle. Thinking it was kind of nice, I stuck about half of my leg in. WOW! That fucking hurt!! I quickly pulled out and I got a little understanding smile from this old man in a regular tub nearby. I shook my head as if to say "No way I try that again" and moved on.
Ultimately, I spent most of my time in the 露天風呂, "open air bath." There were walls and such to prevent any unauthorized observation by outsiders but otherwise we were outside in a heated bath. The water was green and kind of "fizzy" which made me wonder if it was treated with any special additives or something. There was Japanese signs everywhere but obviously I couldn't make much sense of that.
Anyway, it was kind of fun and kind of not. It wasn't awkward or uncomfortable for any of the reasons I thought it would be, but I wouldn't say I found the experience all that relaxing or enjoyable either. Sure, it was fun to hang out with Scott (it always is) but to be honest sitting in a slightly-too-hot tub of water just isn't that appealing. At least I can say I shook off my apprehensions and just got in the damn water, I guess.
Anyway, as I said, I'm quite busy today and tomorrow so I probably won't update before Sunday. I'll be off with Mako celebrating my birth! Have a drink with me in mind, I'll certainly be thinking of all of you back home! Feit...out (for a little while)!!
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What a story!! I don't think I would have the courage myself but good for you for just going for it.
Happy birhtday brah. Wait, you saw Scotts cack n' balls? Christ, call it how I was raised, but I don't think i could casually walk about naked with my pals...hoohaw. Well, you once did describe Scott as "smuggling golf balls". HAHAA.
Again, Happy B-Day man.
Again, Happy B-Day man.
Happy birthday punk. I'd say its damn lucky the restaruant didn't offer "Surf n' Turf" otherwise you'd be walking bow-legged the next morning (Scott DID pay, didn't he?) Close call amigo... I heard he's smuggling some serious sausage down there. But then again, you already know that! How was the bath...?
# posted by 
: 18 November, 2005 12:33
: 18 November, 2005 12:33
Jason gets it, Dan. Jason gets it. "Truck stops are the bath houses of the 90's"...only in America baby.
# posted by : 18 November, 2005 13:20
: 18 November, 2005 13:20
Without even having read you're story, that seems so outrageous to most, Happy Birthday and may the end of your 20's be meorable as the start of your 30's will be.
# posted by : 18 November, 2005 15:05
: 18 November, 2005 15:05
Happy birthday, sorry, didn't know when your real birthday was. One question that jingles in my mind, were the baths co-ed? Heh, something about mary was a great movie. "truck stops are the bath houses of the 90's for Many, MANY gay men."
# posted by : 19 November, 2005 02:30
: 19 November, 2005 02:30
Thanks to every one for their birthday wishes. It was a wonderful day, to be sure. Ben, Jason: you're hilarious. Thanks for all your efforts to amuse me (even if it's occasionally at my expense). Samster: the baths are not co-ed but men and women can enter separately and bathe with their own. Indeed, in the outdoor bath I could hear women in their bath behind the wall.
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