Man, what a day! I swear, Ibaraki really knows how to throw a curveball. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds chirping, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Ha! Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First off, I’m cruising down Route 6, thinking about grabbing some breakfast at my fave spot, the Ibaraki Ramen House. You know, the one on Kairakuen Avenue? Yeah, that place. But then, BAM! Traffic jam outta nowhere. Like, seriously? I’m sittin’ there, fuming, listening to some random J-Pop on the radio. I’m like, “C’mon, people! Let’s move it!”
Finally, I get to the ramen joint. I order my usual—tonkotsu with extra chashu. Heaven in a bowl, right? But then, the waiter drops my order. I’m like, “Dude, really?!” I mean, I get it, accidents happen, but not when I’m starving! So, I’m just sitting there, watching my dreams of ramen slip away.
After that, I head over to the Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of History. Figured I’d check out some cool exhibits. But guess what? It’s closed for renovations. Ugh! I’m like, “What’s the point of a museum if it’s always closed?” So, I just wander around the area, trying to find something to lift my spirits.
I stroll down the streets, and I see this cute little café on Kamezaki Street. I’m like, “Okay, let’s give this a shot.” I walk in, and it’s packed! I mean, who knew Ibaraki had such a coffee scene? I order a matcha latte, and it’s honestly the best thing I’ve had all day. I’m feeling a bit better, but then I spill it all over my shirt. Classic me, right?
So, I’m walking back to my car, and I see this street performer on Chuo Street. He’s playing the shamisen, and it’s actually pretty dope. I stop to listen, and I’m vibing. But then, this kid runs by and knocks over his case. I’m like, “Dude, watch where you’re going!” The performer just laughs it off, but I’m fuming again. Can’t a guy enjoy some music in peace?
Next, I decide to hit up the Ibaraki Botanical Garden. I’m thinking, “Nature will calm me down.” But no! It’s packed with families. Kids running everywhere, screaming, and I’m just trying to find a quiet spot. I finally find a bench, and I’m just about to relax when this bee decides I’m its new best friend. I’m swatting it away like, “Get off me, dude!”
By now, I’m exhausted. I just wanna go home. But wait! I remember I promised my buddy I’d help him with his new apartment. So, I drag myself over to his place on Sannomaru Street. I walk in, and it’s a disaster zone. Boxes everywhere, and he’s like, “Help me unpack!” I’m like, “Dude, I just survived a war out there!” But I help anyway.
Finally, we finish, and he orders pizza. Thank goodness! We sit down, and I’m just about to take a bite when the doorbell rings. It’s the delivery guy, and he’s got the wrong order! I’m like, “Are you kidding me?!” My buddy just laughs, and I can’t help but join in.
So, we end up ordering from this little place on Kairakuen Avenue again. And you know what? It’s the best pizza I’ve ever had. We’re laughing, joking, and I’m finally feeling good. I guess Ibaraki has its ups and downs, but man, it sure knows how to keep things interesting.
By the time I get home, I’m wiped out. But I can’t help but smile. I mean, what a day, right? Ibaraki, you crazy city, you’ve got my heart.