Every two years there is a little bit of awesome at the end of obon in my Japanese home town. Once again it was the
Shibukawa Dashi Matsuri and like the last time, I joined Shimogo for an epic 2 days of heat, sweat, pain and adrenaline...
 |
| Photo: S.Nakamura Copyright: bakadaruku.blogspot.com |
Unlike the last time I went with my lady. Most of the photos were taken by her. The battery also ran out and I didn't,t bring the spare so there are no awesome night time shots. Deal with it. For me, being a part of the festival was the priority. In fact at the Dashi matsuri I discovered that I would make a really lousy photographer. I am just not the type of person to sit back and watch. Getting into the thick of it is so much more fun.
 |
| Photo: S.Nakamura Copyright: bakadaruku.blogspot.com |
On both days there were fewer people than the last year. That made things a lot rougher. Especially going up the long hills. The extra power that each of us needed to bring to bear just made the water breaks that much more refreshing.
 |
| Photo: N.Moodley Copyright: bakadaruku.blogspot.com |
|
| Photo: N.Moodley Copyright: bakadaruku.blogspot.com |
This year I was at the head of the rope for a lot more time than last time. Including the clime up to the top of the hill in Motomachi. With great power comes great responsibility. I did make one rather embarrassing error but with some explanation and help I figured out the manouvers required and am confident that I can do the job again if needs be. In case you were wondering, the rope is damn heavy.
 |
| Photo: S.Nakamura Copyright: bakadaruku.blogspot.com |
As always there was the momi, but this year most of it was done in between Shimogo members. There wasn't much against other areas. That was a bit of a diss appointment for me because all of you by now know how much I like a good mosh. The few we did have we're still great though. Even with our reduced numbers they all went in our favor.
 |
| Photo: S.Nakamura Copyright: bakadaruku.blogspot.com |
 |
| Photo: S.Nakamura Copyright: bakadaruku.blogspot.com |
 |
| Photo: S.Nakamura Copyright: bakadaruku.blogspot.com |
It was a blast. Of course. It was good to meet everyone from the last time again. It was good to sweat and burn in the hot Shibukawa sun. It was good to introduce my lady to the community and have her feel as welcome as I have felt since I got here. And while the festival does signal the end of summer and the return to the daily grind, it also is the kick off for my festival season. There will be many fun times ahead.
 |
| Photo: S.Nakamura Copyright: bakadaruku.blogspot.com |
 |
| Photo: Nayalan Moodley Copyright: bakadaruku.blogspot.com |
Posted with Blogsy
No comments:
Post a Comment