Man, what a day! Seriously, I can’t even. Ishikari, you wild city! I woke up thinking it’d be just another boring day. Boy, was I wrong.
First off, I hit up the local konbini on Ishikari’s main street, Chuo-dori. Grabbed my usual: onigiri and a can of coffee. You know, the good stuff. But then, bam! I spill my coffee all over my clerical collar. Great start, right? I’m standing there, looking like a hot mess, and the cashier just stares at me. Like, c’mon, help a guy out!
So, I’m walking down the street, trying to shake off the coffee disaster. The sun’s shining, and I’m thinking, “Okay, maybe today won’t be so bad.” I pass by the Ishikari River, and it’s beautiful. The water’s glistening, and I’m like, “Wow, nature, you do your thing.” But then I see a bunch of kids throwing rocks into the river. I mean, really? What’s the point? I almost yelled, “Hey, save the fish!” but I just kept walking.
Then I hit up the Ishikari City Hall. Gotta do some paperwork, you know? But the line is insane! I’m standing there, and this old dude in front of me starts chatting about the weather. Like, dude, it’s just weather! I’m trying to be patient, but inside, I’m like, “Can we move it along, please?”
Finally, I get to the counter. The clerk is super nice, but she’s got this massive stack of papers. I’m thinking, “Is this a clerical job or a paper mountain expedition?” I swear, I could’ve built a fort with all that paper.
After that, I decide to take a stroll through the Ishikari Park. It’s a nice spot, but there’s this weird smell. Like, what is that? I’m sniffing around, trying to figure it out. Turns out, it’s just some guy grilling yakitori. I mean, I love yakitori, but c’mon, man, maybe not in a park?
So, I sit on a bench, trying to chill. I see this couple having a picnic. They’re all lovey-dovey, and I’m like, “Ugh, get a room!” But then they share their food with me. I’m surprised! I mean, who does that? I’m munching on their homemade sushi, and it’s actually pretty good.
Then, outta nowhere, it starts to rain. Like, seriously? I just got my hair done! I’m running for cover, and I end up in this tiny little shrine. It’s quiet, and I’m like, “Okay, maybe this is a sign.” I sit there for a bit, just breathing.
But then, I hear this loud crash outside. I peek out, and some guy just knocked over a bike. I’m thinking, “Dude, what’s wrong with you?” He looks at me, and I’m like, “Not my bike, man!”
Finally, the rain stops, and I head back out. I’m walking down Sakae Street, and I see this street performer. He’s playing the shamisen, and it’s actually pretty cool. I stop to listen, and I’m feeling all the feels. Music just hits different, you know?
As the sun sets, I’m walking back home, and I can’t help but smile. Ishikari, you crazy city, you’ve got my heart. I mean, yeah, I spilled coffee, got caught in the rain, and almost lost my mind in line, but it was all worth it.
I get home, kick off my shoes, and just laugh. What a day! I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Ishikari, you keep me on my toes!