Twenty-one years ago, I was just a "kid" (actually, I had just had a kid --- well, not literally, but you know what I mean) with a crazy dream. I had recently discovered the incredible world of Japanese professional wrestling, and at that point my dream vacation became a trip to Tokyo to see amazing athletes like Jushin "Thunder" Liger, Mitsuhara Misawa, Kenta Kobashi, Jumbo Tsuruta, Tiger Mask III, and other greats in live action. (Even before discovering puroresu, as the locals call it, I was a lifelong Japanese pop culture fan who dreamed of visiting there.) But life got in the way, as it is often wont to do, and that trip was put on the back burner and though I never turned that burner off, I did have to put it on its lowest setting.
When I moved to Korea in April 2008, I felt one step closer to realizing my dream trip. However, as fellow foreign English teacher friends frequently traveled to Japan and other places in Asia, I found myself staying put, paying off bills, student loans, and such. I had a great time traveling within Korea, seeing places many foreigners don't normally visit, and happily fulfilling my second dream vacation --- film festivals --- many times over. (I haven't been outside Korea since landing here!) I knew that one day I would finally make it to Japan, but I had no idea when.
Then, in early December, I decided that the time was finally right --- financially and otherwise --- to realize my dream. On January 1, 2011 --- the first day of the new year and the new decade --- not only am I going to Tokyo to see Japanese professional wrestling, but I am going during the sport's busiest time of the year there! If I can score tickets to everything, I will see two shows each day on January 2, 3, and 4.
I said this about moving to Asia to teach English after wanting to do so for 23 years, and I will say it again now regarding my puroresu trip: Dreams can come true. Maybe not as soon as we'd like them to, but I have learned that having patience and keeping hopes alive can pay off.
Of the wrestlers I've mentioned above, only two are still alive. (Liger [that's him above in the red and white costume] has been one of my all-time favorites since I first discovered puroresu, and I am thrilled that I get to see him in action.) Though I never had the opportunity to see them in person, I am grateful for the wrestlers and shows I am about to see, for the trip I am only hours away from taking, and for the life I so happily live.
The year 2010 was another great one for me --- I got to spend another fun summer in Korea with my amazing son; my fantastic girlfriend and I had our one-year anniversary on December 16; I met some wonderful new Korean friends; and I went to no less than six great film festivals, among other things. There were a couple of speed bumps this year, including my first hospital stay since I was a baby (great friends and my girlfriend helped get me through that), my mom's passing away and learning at that same time of my dad's prior passing, as well, and goodbyes to some very dear friends who moved back home after working in Korea --- but compared with the challenges that some of my friends went through, I count myself very fortunate.
So I bid sweet adieu to 2010 and eagerly welcome 2011. By kicking off with my dream vacation, it is bound to be another fantabulous year! Happy new year to you all --- and may your dreams come true!
