Man, what a day! Seriously, I’m still reeling from it. So, I’m an agronomist, right? And today, I found myself in Kikugawa, Japan. Ever heard of it? It’s this chill little city, kinda tucked away in Shizuoka Prefecture. Beautiful rice fields everywhere, and the mountains? Wow. But lemme tell ya, today was a rollercoaster.
First off, I woke up late. Classic me. Alarm didn’t go off. I’m sprinting down the street, dodging cyclists on Kakegawa Street. Like, why do they ride so fast? Chill, people! I’m just trying to grab a coffee at my fave spot, Café de Kikugawa. They have this matcha latte that’s to die for. But of course, I get there and it’s packed. Ugh!
I finally get my drink, and I’m feeling good. I mean, who doesn’t love caffeine? But then, I spill it all over my notes. Great. Just great. I’m standing there, looking like a hot mess, trying to salvage my work. The barista, this super nice lady, hands me a napkin and says, “Don’t worry, it happens.” I’m like, “Yeah, but not to me!”
So, I head to the agricultural research center on Shimizu Street. I’m pumped to meet with some local farmers. They’re legends, honestly. But when I get there, I find out they’re all arguing about some new fertilizer. Like, c’mon guys, can we not? I’m trying to help you!
One dude, Mr. Tanaka, is all fired up. He’s waving his hands around, talking about how this new stuff is gonna ruin the soil. I’m just sitting there, thinking, “Dude, chill. It’s just fertilizer.” But he’s not having it. I mean, I get it, but sometimes you gotta roll with the punches, right?
Then, outta nowhere, this kid runs in. He’s got a huge smile and a basket of fresh strawberries. I’m like, “Where’d you get those?” Turns out, he picked them from a farm down the road. I swear, they were the juiciest strawberries I’ve ever seen. So, I grab one, and it’s like a flavor explosion in my mouth. Best moment of the day, hands down.
After the meeting, I decide to take a stroll around Kikugawa. I hit up the Kikugawa River. It’s so peaceful there. I sit on a bench, just watching the water flow. But then, I see this guy trying to fish. He’s got all the gear, but he’s not catching anything. I can’t help but laugh. I mean, come on, dude!
As I’m walking back, I pass by the local market on Kawai Street. The vendors are shouting, trying to get people to buy their stuff. I spot some fresh wasabi and think, “Why not?” I grab a piece, and wow, it’s spicy! My nose is on fire! But I love it.
Finally, I head back to my car, and guess what? I locked my keys inside. Just my luck, right? I’m standing there, cursing under my breath. But then, this old lady walks by and says, “You need help?” I’m like, “Yeah, if you have a spare key!” She just laughs and keeps walking. Thanks, lady.
So, I call a locksmith, and while I’m waiting, I just sit there, thinking about the day. It was wild. Ups and downs, but that’s life, I guess. Kikugawa, you’ve got my heart. Even with the craziness, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Finally, the locksmith shows up, and I’m outta there. I drive home, exhausted but happy. What a day, right? Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!