Man, what a day in Ashiya! Seriously, I’m still buzzing from all the craziness. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds chirping, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First off, I hit up the local konbini on Koshien-cho for my morning coffee fix. You know, the one with the neon sign that’s flickering like it’s having a seizure? Yeah, that one. Grabbed my usual—iced coffee and a melon pan. But guess what? They were outta melon pan! Like, how do you run out of melon pan in Japan? I was ready to throw a fit.
So, I’m standing there, fuming, when I hear this loud commotion outside. I rush out, and there’s this parade of school kids on Ashiya’s main street, all decked out in their uniforms, waving flags like they’re in some epic battle. Turns out, it was just a local sports day thing. But man, the energy was infectious! I couldn’t help but smile. Kids were running around, laughing, and I’m just standing there, coffee in hand, feeling like a proud parent.
Then, I decide to stroll down to the beach. You know, the one by Ashiya’s famous coastline? It’s usually pretty chill, but today? Nah, it was packed! I’m talking beach towels everywhere, families BBQing, and kids splashing around. I’m like, “Where did all these people come from?” I mean, it’s a Tuesday!
I plop down on the sand, trying to soak it all in. But then, outta nowhere, this seagull swoops down and snatches my sandwich! Like, excuse me, that was my lunch! I’m yelling at the bird, “Hey! Get your own food!” But it just flies off, looking smug. I swear, that bird had a smirk.
After that, I needed a pick-me-up. So, I hit up this little café on Ashiya’s backstreets. You know, the one that’s super cozy and has the best matcha lattes? I walk in, and the barista, this cool dude with tattoos, gives me a nod. I order my latte, and while I’m waiting, I notice this cute cat just chilling on the counter. I’m like, “Dude, is that your cat?” He laughs and says, “Nah, she just hangs out here.” I’m thinking, “I need a cat like that in my life.”
Finally, I get my latte, and it’s perfection. I take a sip, and it’s like a hug in a cup. But then, my phone buzzes. It’s my buddy, asking if I wanna hit up the local izakaya later. I’m like, “Heck yeah!”
Fast forward to the izakaya, and it’s packed. I’m talking standing room only. We squeeze in, and I’m ready to eat my weight in yakitori. But then, the power goes out! Like, seriously? It’s pitch black, and everyone’s freaking out. I’m laughing, thinking, “This is just my luck.”
But then, the staff starts lighting candles, and suddenly, it’s all cozy and romantic. People are singing, and I’m just there, soaking it all in. I mean, who knew a blackout could turn into a party?
By the end of the night, I’m stuffed, happy, and ready to crash. I walk home along the quiet streets of Ashiya, the moon shining down. I think about how wild today was. From missing melon pan to a seagull heist, to a blackout party.
Ashiya, you never cease to amaze me. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!