Curtains Up!

I finally put curtains up in my living room. I have 2 sliding doors and they were without curtains since I got here. At first it was a bit creepy staring out into the darkness. At times I felt like the darkness was staring back at me, and when you're alone that can really freak you out.

Then I got used to it, kind of. Until one night, I walked into my living room and happened to look outside and there was a guy sitting on the steps staring back at me.

He was enjoying his cigarette and it was all really innocent, just a matter of coincidence. But once again I got the jeepers.

So my curtains are up and I finally feel totally secure. Japan has a great reputation of being a safe country and being out in the countryside, I can attest to that. However, even when you know that you can leave your car doors unlocked and no one will jack your car or the stuff inside, you still have to be careful.

THE MIND
During the day, things are easy. I can freely walk around town and my apartment and not feel scared. But the moment the sun sets and night takes over, my mind starts wandering. And soon, I begin to regret ever watching those movies: The Ring, The Grudge any movie where shit just pops out at you, out of nowhere.

Every time I pull out my futon for bed, I quickly shut the closet doors. It gives me the shivers. I turn off the lights just as fast and jump into bed. I close my eyes and hope that I fall asleep instantly.

It's like I'm a 7 year-old all over again, but I don't think we ever outgrow being scared when we are alone.


It's my first time living by myself. It's nice, but it can be lonely and sometimes you feel like you'll crap your pants.


And of course, at night time, all those damn frogs come out of the rice paddies. Gross.


Goodnight!