Man, what a day! Seriously, Chikuma, you’ve got me all kinds of twisted. So, I roll into this city, right? First off, it’s like a postcard. Mountains everywhere, rivers flowing like they’re in a race. I’m talking about the Chikuma River, which is just chillin’ there, looking all majestic.
I start my day at this little café on Asama Street. The coffee? Pure magic. I mean, I’m no connoisseur, but I could’ve sworn I heard angels singing when I took that first sip. But then, bam! My phone buzzes. It’s my boss. “Hey, can you give a lecture today?” Ugh, like I’m not already stressed.
So, I’m like, “Sure, why not?” I rush over to the Chikuma City Hall. The streets are narrow, and I’m dodging cyclists like I’m in some weird video game. Seriously, these folks on bikes are fearless! I almost got taken out by a dude in a bright yellow helmet. Like, chill, bro!
I finally get to the hall, and it’s packed. I mean, packed! I’m sweating bullets. I start talking about my research, and halfway through, I realize I’m losing them. I see a guy in the back totally zonked out. I mean, come on! I’m pouring my heart out here!
Then, outta nowhere, this lady in the front row raises her hand. “Can you explain that again?” she asks. I’m like, “Sure, but can you promise to stay awake this time?” Everyone laughs, and I’m feeling a bit better.
After the lecture, I’m feeling all pumped. I head over to the Chikuma Shrine. It’s beautiful, man. The trees are so tall, they look like they’re trying to touch the sky. I’m wandering around, taking pics, when I spot this little kid trying to catch a koi fish. He’s all serious about it, and I’m just cracking up.
But then, I get a bit lost. Like, how do you get lost in a small city? I end up on a street called Koshinetsu. I’m wandering around, and I swear, every building looks the same. I’m starting to think I’m in some weird time loop.
Finally, I find my way back to the main street, and I’m starving. I hit up this ramen joint. Oh man, the ramen! It’s like a hug in a bowl. I’m slurping away, and this old dude next to me starts chatting. He’s telling me about the local festivals, and I’m just nodding along, trying not to choke on my noodles.
Then, outta nowhere, he says, “You know, Chikuma is famous for its apples.” Apples? Really? I had no idea! I’m thinking, “Dude, why didn’t you lead with that?” I’m all about the apples now.
As the sun starts to set, I’m walking along the river again. The colors are insane. I’m feeling all reflective, you know? Like, this city has a vibe. It’s chill but also buzzing with life. I’m thinking about how I’m gonna tell my friends back home about this place.
But then, I trip. Like, full-on faceplant. I’m sprawled out on the ground, and I hear someone gasp. I look up, and it’s the kid from earlier! He’s laughing his head off. I can’t help but laugh too. “Guess I’m not catching any koi today!”
So, yeah, Chikuma, you’ve been a wild ride. I’m exhausted but happy. I’m heading back to my hotel, and I can’t wait to crash. But I know I’ll be back. This city? It’s got my heart.