Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, Isawa is wild. Like, I woke up thinkin’ it’d be chill, but nah, not even close. First off, I’m in my tiny apartment on Kōen-dōri, right? I step outside, and boom! It’s like a sauna. I’m sweatin’ buckets before I even hit the street.
So, I’m walkin’ down to the station, right? Gotta catch the train to Matsumoto. But guess what? I miss it by like, two seconds. I’m standin’ there, watchin’ the doors close, and I’m like, “Really?!” I mean, c’mon! I could’ve sprinted! But nah, I just stood there like a fool.
While I’m waitin’ for the next train, I decide to grab some onigiri from this little shop on Shimo-izumi. Best onigiri ever! I’m talkin’ salmon, seaweed, the whole shebang. I take a bite, and it’s like a flavor explosion. I’m grinnin’ like an idiot. But then, I spill some rice on my shirt. Great. Just great. Now I look like a mess.
Finally, I hop on the train, and it’s packed. Like, sardines in a can packed. I’m squished between this old dude who smells like fish and a kid who’s blastin’ J-Pop on his phone. I’m tryin’ to zone out, but the music is so loud, I can’t think. I’m like, “Dude, turn it down!” But he’s vibin’ too hard to care.
Get to Matsumoto, and it’s beautiful. The castle is stunning, right? But I’m not here for the sights. I’m here to meet my buddy, Kenji. We’re supposed to hit up this ramen joint. But of course, he’s late. I’m standin’ there, lookin’ at my watch, and I’m like, “C’mon, man!”
While I’m waitin’, I see this street performer on Nakamachi Street. He’s doin’ some crazy tricks with a yo-yo. I’m impressed, but also kinda jealous. Like, how does he make it look so easy? I can barely keep my keys from fallin’ outta my pocket.
Kenji finally shows up, and he’s all outta breath. “Sorry, bro! Got caught in traffic!” I’m like, “Dude, we’re in a city! Traffic is a given!” But whatever, we head to the ramen place. It’s packed, but we manage to snag a table.
I order the spicy miso ramen, and it’s fire! I’m slurpin’ it down like it’s the last meal on Earth. Kenji’s laughin’ at me, but I don’t care. I’m in ramen heaven. Then, outta nowhere, the power goes out! Like, what?! The whole place is pitch black. I’m sittin’ there, noodles halfway to my mouth, and I’m like, “This is how I die.”
But then, the lights flicker back on, and everyone’s cheerin’. I’m just relieved I didn’t drop my bowl. We finish up, and I’m feelin’ good. But then, I step outside, and it’s pouring rain. Of course it is! I didn’t bring an umbrella. I’m soaked in seconds.
We decide to duck into a nearby izakaya on Kōen-dōri. It’s cozy, and the vibe is chill. We order some drinks, and I’m finally relaxin’. But then, I spill my drink all over the table. I’m like, “Seriously?!” Kenji’s laughin’ so hard, he’s almost cryin’.
After a few rounds, we’re feelin’ good. We start talkin’ about life, dreams, all that deep stuff. I’m gettin’ all sentimental, and then I realize it’s late. I gotta head back to Isawa.
I stumble out into the rain again, but this time, I’m laughin’. I’m soaked, but I don’t care. I’m thinkin’ about how crazy today was. From missin’ trains to ramen disasters, it was a rollercoaster.
As I walk back, I can’t help but smile. Isawa, you’re a wild ride, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. What a day!