From February 2004 until August 2005, I lived in Japan, where I had some of the most memorable experiences of my life and met some of my closest friends. During this time, Duran Duran released the Astronaut album and embarked upon a world tour. I was totally stoked when they announced dates in Japan, especially since this was my chance to finally see the original line-up live. Although I've been a fan since 1983, due to a variety of reasons, at this point, I had only see them once in 1987, after Roger Taylor and Andy Taylor had left. I bought a VIP package through the Duran Duran fan site and was going to see them in Fukuoka. Unfortunately, Roger broke his foot and the Japanese leg of the tour was cancelled. They did end up playing the Summersonic Music Festival (in Tokyo and Osaka) in August 2005 and I was going to go with my friend Miyuki, but ended up leaving Japan for a teaching stint in Egypt (I ended up leaving that job and fleeing the country after 40 days, long story) so couldn't go.
In 2008, I was living in Seoul, South Korea (still not sure why I came back) and I had the opportunity to see Duran Duran at the Olympic Gym during their Red Carpet Massacre tour. It was an amazing show and the energy was palpable, as they hadn't been to Korea since 1989. Unfortunately, I attended that concert with two of the most horrendous people on the face of the earth. There I was: singing, dancing, revelling in the magic that is Duran Duran, and they made fun of me the whole time. I still don't know why they even attended the concert and I should also mention that I stopped talking to these two people shortly after that experience. That night, I vowed to never attend a Duran Duran show with non-Duranies again. Nonetheless, I am thrilled that I got to see them and of course, I'm hoping with all my heart that they will come back to Seoul while I'm here.
I'm also extremely grateful that I got to see them in Montreal in April of this year. It was my first time seeing them in such an intimate venue and it was one of the most memorable nights of my life. Words simply cannot describe how phenomenal that show was. I took my wonderful 19 year-old niece Liana, who has since turned 20, to see them and needless to say, she was blown away. I don't think she will ever fully realise just how lucky she was to be fourth row centre at her first Duran Duran concert! For me, it was totally surreal to be that close to the band that shaped my adolescence and continues to have a profound impact on my life - a dream come true! That night, I was definitely in the right place at the right time.
That being said, I need another fix! They haven't announced any tour dates in Asia and I've been dreaming about the possibility of them coming here. Still, I have to accept the possibility that they may not come to South Korea at all. However, they might come to Japan or China and that's not too far way. Although I don't get any vacation days, apart from a week off at Christmas, I will find a way to see them if they play anywhere near here, especially since there is a (slight) chance that two of my dearest Duranie friends may be coming to Japan (this is all hypothetical, of course, since we don't even know if they'll be making it to Asia) to see them too. Mark my words!
I've also been dreaming of spending my Christmas break in Sri Lanka. I've been looking into flights and hotels (that I totally can't afford) and I even bought The Rough Guide to Sri Lanka recently. I've wanted to visit Sri Lanka since I first saw the video for Save a Prayer back when I was only 13 years old. When I lived in Japan, I visited Thailand. When I last lived in Korea, I visited my friends in Japan. I highly doubt that I will ever live in Asia again and although Seoul is quite a long way from Colombo, it's a hell of a lot closer than Montreal! I haven't booked anything yet, but I'm seriously considering it.
There's also my "light at the end of the tunnel" dream: I want to do a one-month, intensive yoga teacher training course in Thailand once my Korean contract ends in August 2012. I know that I'm a good teacher, but I'm fed up of teaching ESL so... why not learn to teach something that I'm passionate about and that's good for my physical and mental well-being? I've let so many other dreams go. I'm going to make this one happen!
Last but not least, there's my dream of finally getting my shit together and writing a book. I've had some crazy experiences in my life and people are always saying, "You should write a book!" I totally fucking should! In fact, I'm going to start writing it NOW! Well, when I say NOW what I really mean is...once this week is done and I've finished writing those 60 bloody report cards! Uh-oh. I said something negative. I also probably shouldn't have mentioned the confidentiality agreement but...woteva. I like to live on the edge.
