Bon Odori 2010.. Off.

Today is the 34th Bon Odori in Malaysia. The last time I went to Bon Odori was 4 years ago in 2006.

30th Bon Odori, 15th July 2006.

I think many already know that Bon Odori is a Japanese Ghost Festival and every year, there would be a festival held in 2 places in Malaysia, which are the Matsushita Stadium in Shah Alam and Esplanade in Penang, to celebrate this event.

I've never been to the one in Penang and since I enter my uni life, I made a some sort of 'promise plan' to myself that I would go to Bon Odori in Penang while I'm in my uni life. I made this self-promise back when I was in foundation, almost 4 years ago.

My favourite Bon Odori fan.

There are many self-promised plans I made and for most of them, I managed to fulfill, if not contented with what I did. But for this Bon Odori Penang plan, it is otherwise. 

Ever since I made this self-promised plan for Bon Odori...

31st Bon Odori 2007 - I was in foundation and I remember clearly I had my Economics test on the same day.

32nd Bon Odori 2008 - I was in my first year degree and I have no 'kaki' to go with.

33rd Bon Odori 2009 -  I was in my second year degree and I attended Manchester United Asia Tour 2009

34th Bon Odori 2010 - This year.. :(

Reason for missing Bon Odori 2009.. but did not regret :D

This year I have the group of friends I want to go with, I have my housemate who wants to go as much as I do. I might have the time and there was even an initial plan but.. I did not go after all. Why?

* I have 3 tests on the following week and though I might have the time to finish studying and actually attend Bon Odori, the guilt is there.

* We might not have enough transport to get there.

* Guat Shan have a paper on Monday.

* EE have test today and will be tired (burning midnight oil the night before) if we go later and especially more tired for those who will be driving.

I even got my mom to send me my yukata from home.

It's already my final year as a university student and yes, I know many told me that I can attend next year and that Bon Odori will still be there and all but this is my self-made promise and attending next year is not the same anymore. It's no longer under my uni life plan. Every year I tell myself, "It's okay, I'll go next year", and heck, I can't tell myself this anymore this year.

As exaggerated as I may sound, things will not be this bad once it's over ;)