The Day I Woke Up at 6 p.m.
I decided to meet David today! We were actually supposed to go rock climbing, but we had to cancel at the last minute because his brother's house was going to be renovated. We decided to eat khinkali together in the evening. Today I, unbelievably, woke up at 6 p.m.
I've never had my sleep schedule shift this much before. When I wondered why it had shifted so far, I realized there was "no reason to get up." I'm in the middle of traveling around the world and of course I have work, but the deadlines are too vague. So I end up working late and go to bed very late. When I get to Batumi I want to get into a routine of waking up properly at 8 a.m.
Being true to myself
My conversation with David was really lively. Recently I've had opportunities to think deeply about my beliefs and values, and I've started to recognize what value means to me.
Perhaps it's precisely because I'm beginning to form the conviction that my worth won't be shaken by trivial external things—like not being able to speak well—that I was able to be myself.
An American figure skater won the gold medal, and watching her I learned something from her too. Her characteristic smile never left her, and her genuine enjoyment captivated the world. It wasn't about winning the gold; failure or success didn't matter—she was fully focused on enjoying this moment and presenting herself, giving it her all. I realized that this presence is what makes a true human being, someone who attracts others and provides great inspiration.
So I also felt that it's important for me to be myself. I tend to overthink and dwell on the future. Because I have a habit of analyzing things right away, I tend to be slow to act. That's why I'm thinking I want to start doing something that uses my senses and my body.
3D Printer and Making Things
I talked about many things with David. He was really excited because a 3D printer will soon arrive at his place. He genuinely seemed thrilled, wondering what he should make.
I also love making things, so I really understood that feeling. Just listening to him got me excited.
The restaurant I've been longing to visit since 2022
We walked toward the restaurant I had my eye on. I had planned to go in 2022, but I couldn't because it was always so crowded. Tonight, despite being Sunday night, there was no line. So we could get in right away. They said it would take 35 minutes for the khinkali to come out, so we talked about perfume and our plans for the future.
He really wasn't interested in making money; he wanted to make what he loves his work and achieve a big dream. He's liked car design since he was a child and dreams of making a career out of designing cars. That put him at a turning point: whether to give that up or continue his current job.
I immediately told him he should, of course, aim to become a car designer. I think it's important to make choices you won't regret at 40 or 50—choices that will allow you to be proud of yourself—and of course he will need to do a lot of preparation and learning.
But it's not too late, and I think many designers are the kind of people who mature over time. So I thought he should absolutely chase his dream. I also shared that next year I'm planning to go to Australia or Canada to have various experiences. We agreed to support each other.
20 Khinkali and the Renovation
I decided to buy khinkali for the members who were renovating the house. I bought 20 khinkali at another restaurant. While we were waiting, his art director showed us an exhibition he had held in Germany and we exchanged opinions.
I see him about once a week, and each time we have very deep conversations — it's been a really good time. I believe he'll surely have fulfilled his dream in the future, and I truly believe that.
A Warm Family
We walked back to his house. At the house were his brother, his brother's wife, and two neighbors. His brother asked, "Kota, want any khinkali?" so I jokingly said, "No, no, I just ate (laughs)," and he also asked if I wanted something to drink. They showed such small acts of consideration and treated me with care. I really thought they were a warm family.
Also, the neighbors helping with the floor replacement felt so typically Georgian and wonderful. I wondered if that was the kind of thing that existed in Japan until around the 1970s. You can really feel the human connections like that in Georgia.
When I checked the time it was 11 p.m., so we decided to head back to our respective places.
