It seems ironically, my blog has become a journal of my many first’s events, past, present and the coming future! And I am very certain that there will be many firsts to come in the next couple of months as I am on a quest for more ‘adventure’.
Not to mention a few plans, my very first planned trip to Tawau early next year! I’ve already bought the ticket (just remembered I’ve not paid my friend yet..yikes!), and this is certainly an amazing first for me as I have never planned so far ahead for a trip, but that’s AirAsia, forcing us to make a commitment!
Coming back to Bon Odori
Yes! You guess it right! I finally went to my 1st Bon Odori festival in Shah Alam on Saturday, 12th July 2008.
The surprise was really on me, I didn’t expect such a huge crowd. The roads leading to the stadium were jam-packed with cars. Arriving late wasn’t a good option I was told by a guy wearing a ‘Bon Odori’ tshirt. He suggests that I just go home because there’s definitely no parking space available on both sides of the roads that were filled with cars, school buses and humans were everywhere!
But I definitely was not going to go home yet! Why? Anyone in the right mind wouldn’t turn back after having arrived at their destination. So cruising at the slowest speed that I never thought it was possible, I spotted a car leaving! Just my luck, I squeezed my tiny car into that tight little spot and careful enough not to graze the BMW behind me. 
Quickly gather my camera gears and jumped out of my car. I heard the distance sounds of music from the stadium beckoning me. My steps grew bigger and faster as I walked into the stadium. What greeted me was a slight disappointment as the whole stadium was quite bare except for some decorative Japanese-like lanterns and a stage in the centre of the field. I wandered aimlessly searching for what Bon Odori was supposed to be, moving from one-end of the field to the other… nothing!
Near disappointment, I was about to leave when an announcement came on the PA. Guessing something is about to happen I stayed. What happen next changed my whole perception about the evening. All the people that I thought were loitering around quickly got into a formation of straight line all around the stage. They were practically strangers and they held each other hands as the music starts. Everyone started to do a dance and sing along with the performances on stage. The spirits of all the people that night were high and obviously there were so joy in them.
For me, I concluded that Bon Odori was meant as a cultural festival where Malaysian shared a joyous evening experiencing Japanese culture and dance. A simple but memorable occasion each year where people gather for no other motives other than enjoy each other company.
Next year, I will make sure that I arrived much earlier before the sunset because I feel that’s where I will get more photo opportunity.
Next year, I will make sure that I arrived much earlier before the sunset because I feel that’s where I will get more photo opportunity.
