Day 48

May 18th

	Over the last 5 days, I’ve learned so much about this island. The exiled, prosperous cut of land has such a detached, overlooked history.  One such place on the island that’s overlooked is Toki Forest Park.  The Park is essentially a place of conservation for the Crested Ibis (also known as the Toki), a once extinct bird that was brought back to life.  

I decided to head up to the park today and get a closer look at these rare creatures.  The park is located in the center of the island, which is about an hour commute for me. Before  heading out for the day, I slyfully begged Rizumu for a few more coins. I figured one charitable donation wouldn’t be enough for my scragged, two-wheel adventures.  

To her amusement, she patted my head and told me to get a job.  You must have talked to her well beforehand because she’s aware that I have a strict budget to stick to.  Regardless, this leads to a funny scene around the breakfast table this morning and I’m sure she’ll never forget the sight of my charming, all too eager begging face. 

On the way up to the Park, I fueled up at a nearby Petrol station.  It was at this place where my vending machine dry spell was broken. Outside the building was a delicious, playfully colored machine, full of frigid fruit drinks. They had this banana milk (yeah, didn’t know that was a thing) and it was a revelation.  In a place of freedom and infinite choices, why can’t I find a fruity drink like this back home? 

 Upon arriving at Forest Park, you notice that there are two different complexes on the grounds. One is called the plaza, where visitors can observe these rare birds in somewhat of natural habitat.  The other building is a museum, which details the history of these birds.

Once an iconic bird of the region, the Crested Ibis fell into a state of near extinction towards the end of the 20th century. To preserve the species, a handful of them was taken from the wild and kept in a preserve, to repopulate the species.  In conjunction with that, a few labs have attempted to artificially breed the bird.

That natural breeding effort was to no avail, as the last of the original Crested Ibis died in 2003.  This was thought to be the end of the species until artificial breeding showed promise. Fortunately, that effort was successful, as nearly 400 birds are alive and living throughout Sado Island today.  

The bird is unlike any I’ve seen before. With its claw-shaped beak and football body, its multicolored coat reflects distinctly in the sunlight.  I do have to wonder if these birds differ from their genetic ancestors. It’s hard to imagine the artificially bred versions of these birds having the same characteristics and personality as the original version.  

I spent a few hours at the Park, observing these majestic creatures. Watching these birds fly is like a flame being reenacted, in mid-air.  The silver-tinged, white birds open their wings to show multiple hues of red, orange, and yellow.  It’s an odd combination of colors on an animal, as I’ve never seen such a palette used on one thing.  I can see why this bird is so symbolic in this part of Asia, as its unique colors and longstanding history the region breeds an air of mystique.  

As the afternoon drew to a close, I left the Park and throttled back towards Ogi.  As nice as it was to see some resurrected zombie birds fly around, it sparked zero creativity.  Fortunately, the early return to Ogi allowed me to jump into the studio, and lock myself into the music.  

I experimented with an assortment of guitars, trying to emulate different tones for one riff.  There’s a famous expression that says a sound is impossible to be re-created twice.  My exercise in tone swapping is putting that to the test, as the fretted intervals of my riffs are humming about the room, in a litany of different tones.  

Like I’ve said before, my creative work habits are somewhat duplicitous.  It seems like creative streaks, for me, are like tumbling meteors. They may not come often but when they do, they burn with a vivid imagination.  Fortunately, the last week has spurred action to get these songs done, as deadlines always engage the activity.  

I spent the rest of the day in the studio, crafting my finest tones for your ears.  The plan is to have everything recorded by tomorrow evening, with a healthy mix for your persistent eardrums.  Before I do that, Rizumu and I will attend Kodo’s live performance in Ogi.  

If anybody can provide that final spark of creativity, it’s the pounding chorus of Kodo and their Taiko drums.  I’m excited to tie the bow on this week and hopefully have an artistic vigor for my next leg of the journey.  

Thanks again and I’ll see you soon!

-Ayden