I've been here (in UK) since early May and I only wore my kimono once. ONCE! It's sad, but I just can't bring myself to wear it as often as I did in US. There are few reasons for it, but the main one is where we live. Those who know me well already heard it many times, but I live literally in the middle of nowhere! There is nothing except open fields within 30 min drive. The most exciting thing we have in out VILLAGE of Lakenheath is a small grocery store and a very old cemetery. Yeah... That's what I said too.
Then of course there is the weather. I don't know about you, but I don't particularity feel like wearing my kimono in the rain. Add that to having nowhere to go... I also didn't have my car until few days ago (first it didn't arrive in UK until late June, then it broke and was fixed few days ago). I had a friend in Italy question my need for a car in Europe and it quite frankly, it made me pretty upset. IF I lived in a somewhat big city or town, then sure I wouldn't need a car! But the thing is, I do not live in a big city or town! I NEED a car to get around!
Sounds like a lot of whining doesn't it? The thing is, back in Pensacola I would wear kimono and go hang out at Barnes & Noble (bookstore) or shopping somewhere, and I had no problem being by myself. Here I'm in a completely new area, I don't know anyone, I don't have any friends, no ways of making new friends (all the reasons I listed above plus not having a job), and I'm plain scared of going anywhere further than 5 min drive by myself! Especially in kimono. What if my car breaks? Then there I will be sitting on the side of the road.. in kimono, and feeling pretty stupid. Contrary to the popular belief, I am a very shy person, especially in the new area. I was like that when I moved to US. It took me almost 2 years to be able to go out by myself and not care about it.
On the bright side, my car is fixed and although I still feel iffy about driving it long distances, I am not locked in the house anymore. I even found a nice size bookstore in nearby Bury St. Edmunds which I plan on checking out sometimes soon... in kimono of course! ;P It's no Barnes & Noble and it doesn't serve Starbucks but it has a cafe on the 2nd floor (2nd floor people! It's a novelty for me after living in FL) with different brand coffee.
I also got a job and I start on Monday, so hopefully I'll be able to come by some friends too :) Maybe even start a Lakenheath Kimono Club! ;P
Lyuba
That's not whining. I guess I can understand. I live in a big city (well, by European standards)and it's a city where people take pride in "not noticing different-ness" So, it's easy to walk around in kimono, besides, my job is Japanese. I noticed the difference when I went to my Dad, after work dressed in kimono I took the train to the small village he lives, and yes, got the stares, it's not nice!
ReplyDeleteBut, I do hope you find the courage soon and, yay for kimono-clubs!