As the title states, it was a pretty hectic day today. Much yukata. Many smiles. The group I was a part of that celebrates all-things-和服 (wafuku--or traditional Japanese clothing) had a gathering today. Months and weeks leading up to this event, I had contemplated ongoing, or not, because I wasn't quite sure of my schedule so far in advance. Turns out that it was a really lovely experience meeting people with similar interests, even though I've never met them before. Fancy lettering for a fancy place. Hearing the word いざかや (izakaya), I was immediately transported back to the time I visited one in Tokyo about a few years back. The place was cramped, reeked of alcohol and cigarette smoke, and best of all, noisy. It was where people went to unwind and rant about their bosses and hit on unsuspecting & potential dates (I'm just speculating. That's what people do when they get drunk, right?) One thing that's similar, was that food was ex...