Have you ever felt dumb? And have you ever felt this dumb? Because sometimes I’m just surprised by how far my stupidity can go. So treat yourself to my little episode ♥
If you’ve been in my ~real~ life for the last year, you might know that I got really obsessed with pole dance. And you might have guessed that I spent some time in Japan this summer. Well, as an obsessed pole dancer, I just had to look for a studio in Osaka, in order not to lose everything I’ve learn (SPOILER ALERT: I failed).
After a good consideration of the prices, distance and the lessons on offer, I finally made a decision and went directly to the studio to ask whether and how I could use their space as a non-member. On the website, it says that in one of three studios this business had in Osaka, non-members could use the “free pole” programme, which means that it’s not a taught class, but a studio rental where you practise by yourself, which I didn’t mind, as I’m not confident enough in my Japanese to trust my understanding of the instructions when I’m up in the air.
So, I made my way to the studio, worked up courage to actually ask about how to book the space. And they were nice enough to help me with the registration and purchase of the reservation. I opted for a 5-entry ticket, as I aimed to practise for the next 5 weeks, an hour a week. So I booked the studio for an hour from that very moment (well, okay, 40 mins later, when the next slot started) and made my way to the studio.
However, what they forgot to mention was the entrance system. There was this card reader on the door, which I couldn’t open. But it was fine, there was still time until my slot. Maybe the door opens when the time is right. Or perhaps I’ll get an email and will open it through a link. Or maybe, there’s a reception and the receptionist will open the door for me when my slot starts. No.
But about 10 mins before the start, the door opens as somebody’s leaving. I hold it and go in. This person asks me about whether I’m going next, and when I say yes, they ask me whether I have the check-in app. “A check-in app?? Umm, no, this is my first time, I don’t know how it works. Can you please tell me about this app?” But I was told not to worry, they took a picture of my non-member number and said they would tell the teacher. So I thanked them, satisfied that it’s sorted, that I was certainly going to receive more information about the app from the teacher, whoever it was. And I forgot all about it, as I focused on my pole-dancing.
But then, the moment of truth came. I had to leave, as my session was coming to an end. I changed into my normal clothes, cleaned the studio and was about to leave. However, as I grabbed the doorhandle, I found out the door was locked. There was the same card reader on the inside as well. And there was also something like a deadbolt lock looking thing. I tried to turn that, and even push it thinking that it might be a button, but the only thing that happened was that the card reader that’d just touched my phone started saying that it didn’t recognise the card.
So I did what every sensible person in my situation what do – I started laughing. What an adventure! I knew I wouldn’t stay there forever, it is a used studio. I just had to wait. So I sat down and waited. And then, 15 mins later I got bored of waiting calmly and started panicking. I can’t call the studio because I don’t have a proper Japanese SIM card, only for data. When I tried getting in touch through the LINE app, I received an automatic reply that they’ll reply within 2 days. My boyfriend is on a business trip and is still working, so he can’t save me. I have access to water and a toilet, and the next person that booked the studio is coming in 3.5 hours. But I was getting hungry. Who else can help me? …I do have a friend in Japan, even though she’s in a different city, she can still try to call them and get them open the door. So I texted her. And, very kindly, she called the studio. The end. …could’ve been if they’d picked up! They were not picking up! Okay, okay, maybe they’re teaching classes now, maybe if she tries later…?
In the meantime, I checked my email. And there was an automatic email from the studio telling me to download an app. Huh. Okay. So I download it… but I still can’t use it. I need some authorisation code from the studio! Then, my friend texts me again. She tried again and again, but nothing. “Thank you.” at this point I was getting desperate. I went over to the door and tried again, even though I’d already done that and it stayed locked. I push the lock. Nothing. I turn it. Nothing. I turn it the other way. … ………….. it opened. IT OPENED!!
In Slovakia, when you want to lock the door, you turn towards where the gap, the opening is, so that the lock goes through. When you want to unlock it, you do it the opposite way. Well, not in this studio, here, for unlocking, you had to turn towards it. I’m so used to doing the other way that I hadn’t even tried it!! For the whole hour!! I could not believe it.
Well, I’m safe and out of there and more experienced. I don’t think I’ll even forget to try turning in every direction possible and if you ever have a dumb moment, remember that there are people sitting behind unlocked door, panicking that they can’t leave, out there. You’re not alone. ♥
