Man, today was a wild ride in Hidaka! Like, I woke up thinking it’d be just another boring day at the lab. Nope! Not even close.
So, I’m rollin’ outta bed, right? The sun’s shining, birds are chirping, and I’m like, “Sweet, let’s do this!” I grab my coffee from that little shop on Koshigaya Street. You know the one? The barista there is a total legend. He always knows my order. I’m like, “Dude, you’re a mind reader!” He just laughs.
Anyway, I’m chugging my coffee, feeling all pumped. Then, boom! My phone buzzes. It’s my boss. “We need you at the field site ASAP!” Ugh, typical. I’m like, “Can’t a guy enjoy his coffee?” But whatever, I hop on my bike and zoom down Route 299.
Hidaka’s got this chill vibe, right? Trees everywhere, mountains in the background. But today? Today was chaos. I’m biking, and suddenly, I see this huge crowd near the Hidaka River. I’m like, “What’s going on?” Turns out, there’s a festival! People are dancing, food stalls everywhere. I’m drooling over the yakitori.
But then, I see this kid, maybe 10 years old, crying. I’m like, “Oh no, what happened?” Turns out, he lost his balloon. I’m like, “Dude, it’s just a balloon!” But then I remember how I felt when I lost my first kite. So, I buy him a new one. His face lights up! I’m like, “See? Balloons are magic!”
But then, I’m late for my meeting. I’m racing down the street, dodging people. I’m like, “Excuse me! Coming through!” I finally get to the site, and my team’s already there, looking all serious. I’m like, “Guys, lighten up! We’re in Hidaka!” But they’re all stressed about some data we need.
So, we’re crunching numbers, and I’m trying to keep it light. I crack a joke about how the only thing I’m good at is eating. They don’t laugh. Rude! But then, outta nowhere, the power goes out. I’m like, “Great, just great!”
We’re sitting in the dark, and I’m thinking, “This is it. This is how I die. In a lab in Hidaka.” But then, someone pulls out a flashlight, and we start telling ghost stories. I’m like, “Did you guys hear about the haunted shrine on Takasago Street?” They’re all wide-eyed, and I’m loving it.
Finally, the power comes back, and we finish up. I’m exhausted but happy. I bike back home, and the sunset is gorgeous. The sky’s all pink and orange over the mountains. I stop by the river again, just to soak it all in.
Then, I see that kid again! He’s still holding his balloon, and I’m like, “Told ya they’re magic!” He grins, and I feel all warm inside.
So, yeah, Hidaka’s a trip. It’s got its ups and downs, but man, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Just another day in the life of a research associate, right?