big ol' fat storm rolled on through town last night, prompting much public banter and school closing. i was pretty pumped, as this was to be my first tropical cyclone. i headed down to the water's edge around 9 or so, hoping to see a good show. there honestly wasn't much going on aside from tons of rain and an occasional gust of wind. kobe's on a bay that's pretty well protected by awaji and shikoku islands, but the surf was still rougher than i'd ever witnessed here. i mean, there usually isn't any, but last night the sound was enough to stop me in my tracks once i was about half-way out onto the fishing pier. few things intimidate me more than the ocean at night, when i can't see what's abound.
i got thoroughly soaked, then returned to the spot to catch my z's. the noise wasn't enough to keep me awake, just enough to pull me into a semi-conscious daze now and then. the gusts made me half dream that some really loud dude kept running by in the market down below. weird. the sun's out now, but still many schools and establishments are all closed up. it's kind of like portland when there's a half-inch of snow predicted. these are the only pictures i got that're worth a damn:
pearl bridge. long, suspended.
looking across the bay to awaji island. imagine lots of rain, a bit of the gust, and loud waves crashing underneath your feet.
monday, as i'm sure you're all aware, is health and sports day! as a national holiday, it is truly cause for celebration. i've been seeing the drummers practicing all week here. apparently there is a party in tarumi from saturday to monday, probably all healthy and sports-oriented. i think this sort of traditional festival is going down all over the place. should be pretty fun, and i hope to snap a solid pic or two.
