Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being an arborist in Kashima is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds are chirping, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First off, I grab my gear and head out. I’m cruising down Route 204, and let me tell ya, the traffic was a mess. Like, come on, people! It’s not rush hour, it’s just a Tuesday! I’m stuck behind this old dude in a tiny car, and he’s going 30 in a 50 zone. I’m like, “Bro, you’re not in a race, but c’mon!”
Finally, I get to the park near the Kashima Shrine. Beautiful spot, right? The cherry blossoms were in full bloom. I mean, it’s like nature’s confetti. But then, I see it. A huge tree, like, half dead. I’m talkin’ branches droopin’, leaves all sad and brown. I’m like, “No way, not on my watch!”
So, I get to work. I’m up in that tree, feeling like a ninja. But then, outta nowhere, a freakin’ pigeon decides to dive-bomb me. Like, what’s your problem, bird? I’m just trying to save your home! I swear, I almost lost my balance. I’m flailing around, and people are staring. Great, now I’m the tree guy who fights pigeons.
After that little fiasco, I’m feeling pumped. I finish up, and I’m like, “Yeah, I’m the king of the trees!” But then, I hear this loud crash. I turn around, and some dude on a bike just wiped out on the sidewalk. I rush over, and he’s like, “I’m fine, I’m fine!” But he’s got this huge scrape on his knee. I’m like, “Dude, you’re not fine. You look like you just lost a fight with a bear.”
So, I help him up, and we start chatting. Turns out, he’s from Tokyo, just visiting Kashima. He’s all about the food scene here. I’m like, “You gotta try the yakitori on Kōen-dōri! It’s fire!” We end up bonding over food, and I’m feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.
But then, my phone buzzes. It’s my boss. “We need you at the Kashima Soccer Stadium ASAP!” I’m like, “Seriously? I just got here!” But duty calls, so I hop in my truck and zoom over.
When I get there, it’s chaos. A tree fell during the last game, and they need me to clear it. I’m like, “Great, just what I wanted to do today.” So, I get to work, and it’s a mess. I’m sweating, cursing under my breath, and just when I think I’m done, I hear this little kid crying.
I look over, and this kid’s staring at the fallen tree like it’s the end of the world. I’m like, “Hey, buddy, it’s just a tree!” But then I see his face, and I’m like, “Aw man, I gotta do something.” So, I grab a branch and start making a little fort for him.
The kid’s eyes light up, and I’m like, “See? Trees can be fun!” His mom’s watching, and she’s cracking up. I’m feeling like a hero, even if it’s just for a minute.
Finally, I finish up, and I’m exhausted. I head home, and I’m thinking about all the craziness. Kashima’s wild, man. One minute you’re saving trees, the next you’re making forts for kids. It’s a rollercoaster, for sure.
As I crash on my couch, I can’t help but smile. This city, with its streets and parks, it’s got a vibe. I love it. Even with the pigeons and the bike crashes. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!