ItalianoGACKT Official Blog update. Translation below:
I woke up at 8 today.
I was sleepy but I quickly got ready.
After finishing work, I immediately
had to head off for Beijing.
It’s because I’ve been invited by China
to participate APL Poker China Tournament
as a member of the Japan competition team.
I’m glad that I’m getting recognised
in this manner from various sides.
This time, I readily accepted the invitation to participate as a representative player.
After completing my training, my body is hot.
And I was going to change my clothes but
I couldn’t really decide on what to wear…
In the end,
I ran out of time and I went with this.
Today,
I went around to look at a few properties
because we have to move out from the office that we have outgrown.
I planned to view around 8 properties until
right before I had to leave the country but, I wonder if I could really make it in time for the plane.
Among the properties this time around, there were those with a pretty good atmosphere.
If I looked around more, I get the feeling that I’ll find one that I like.
I got absorbed in looking at properties,
and in the blink of an eye, it was already past the check in time.
Even if I rush to the airport,
I’ll arrive around 40 minutes before departure time…
I’ve never arrived this late at an airport before now so
at this point in time, I already began to work on getting my flight transferred to the next one.
When I arrived at the check in counter, it was 35 minutes before departure.
Anyway, with nothing to lose, I tried checking in.
Of course,
normally I’ll definitely be told that it’s impossible but…
『OK! Hurry!』
was what they said to me with a smile. That surprised me the most.
『Eh? I can go in? Seriously??』
I began running in the airport.
Even as I thought that it’s pretty impossible
to make it in time to the gate after going through all the security
and customs because it’s this kind of timing after all,
I decided to run anyway and try to make it.
I got lucky and got through immigration in the fastest time.
And with regards to security too,
despite that it was an exceptionally crowded evening,
I got through without taking much time at all.
Then,
I somehow managed to run all the way and arrive at the boarding gate.
Not a single passenger around…
I thought, did the gate close?, but
the airport staff who was there said with a smile,
『Sa〜fe!』
“Isn’t that way too upbeat!!”
I thought, but
there was no time to say anything so I headed straight into the plane.
Then
the plane took off smoothly.
Mm,
I’ve never been this late before.
Though indeed I did make it in time…
It’s so mentally taxing that I’m really tired.
As expected,
I should go to the airport with time to spare.
This is bad for the heart.
There’s a need for leeway no matter what it is.
Once again, I learnt a life lesson.
I read a book, and in the blink of an eye
I began to see the city of Beijing.
And,
I set foot in Beijing for the first time in 10 years.
Stepping into Beijing airport after so long, it’s changed a lot,
and it’s become rather beautiful.
It’s really different from my old impression of it.
The spaces have also become much wider.
I can’t seem to reach the baggage collection area.
Then,
without incident, I met TAKUMI and the rest who came to fetch me.
In both hands they held a piece of paper that had 【Big bro】 written on it…
『Hey you, won’t you stop doing embarrassing stuff like that?』
I said, then we headed straight to have tea.
After drinking lots of tea,
we headed to the hotel.
Despite that it was past midnight, the highway
felt a little congested.
The roads have become pretty but
unfortunately, there are just too many cars
that are carelessly driving on the road shoulder.
I bothers me, how bad their manners.
The level of manners reflects the country’s level,
that’s how I think of Japan as well.
Regardless of whether there are people watching you or not,
manners are what you think, and they are vows you keep based on your morals.
I furiously reflect on
what happened when I was late to the airport today…
Regrettable, regrettable, that’s just regrettable… were the words that filled my mind.
Even so…
It’s not one or two cars,
there are so many cars driving there at high speeds
as if it’s just any other lane.
『I guess it’s just the kind of place it is…』
I sighed.
I arrived at the hotel
and Master Igu Igu, who was here in Beijing for another meeting,
came to my room to relax.
Then, until 5 in the morning,
we spoke about the future of Japan’s poker.
After everyone went back, I looked outside through the windows, and it’s already bright.
While crystallising the image of tomorrow’s tournament in my extremely sleepy state,
I will just go to sleep like this…
Good night.
Tomorrow,
I’ll do my best to be able to report good results.
Source: GACKT Blog
Translation: GACKT ITALIA Team
Translation © GACKT ITALIA