Blast from the Gay Past

Two days ago, an email popped into my inbox. The name on the email was Tiane. I stared at it for a few moments. I knew exactly who it was, I was just shocked that an email had come from him.

Two and half years ago, I touched down in Japan. I was scared to be in a foreign country by myself, shocked that I had signed up to stay there a year... worried that I wouldn't meet anyone who I would get along with. The company picked me up and dropped me off at the training apartments where I met the girl who would be my roommate for 2 weeks. Laura was an awesome American, with an Ohio accent and the experience of having lived in Japan for 4 months (amazing in my mind at the time). We clicked immediately and I realized quickly that I was going to be okay.

The next day, there was a knock at our door. We opened the door and there was Tiane. He had just arrived and having no roommate, was lonely.

Tiane is from Toronto (or that area). We got along immediately.

One week into training, he asked me, "Shari, have you gotten with anyone yet?" I was shocked at the question. I was having enough trouble knowing what I was eating, learning how to teach and general culture shock to have even thought about guys.

"Have you?" was my response. I was being sarcastic.

"Yup."

Okay... shocking. He had not only gotten with a guy, but he had done it within ONE HOUR of touching down in Nagoya. In the airport.

Gay men. Sheesh.

The last night I saw Tiane we were at a club in downtown Nagoya. He grabbed my hand, and said "let's dance." He then proceeded to use my hand to grab the ass of every Japanese man on the dance floor. Ah Tiane... the man who's soul purpose for being in Japan was to get some Asian ass.

He quit Peppy soon after starting because he didn't like where they placed him. No gay men in northern Japan apparently.

I haven't heard from him in well over 2 years. But his email is exactly Tiane... and it has taken me back.

Memory is a pleasant and inexpensive way to travel.
S.