Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being an elevator operator in Kushiro is like riding a rollercoaster, but without the safety harness. So, I roll into work, right? It’s a chilly morning on Ekimae-dori, and I’m already feelin’ the vibes. The air’s crisp, and I can smell the sea. Kushiro’s got that unique scent, ya know? Like fish and adventure.
First ride of the day, I’m cruisin’ up to the 5th floor. This lady hops in, all flustered. She’s got this huge bag, like she’s movin’ in or somethin’. I’m like, “Yo, what’s in there? A small elephant?” She just laughs, but I can see she’s stressed. Turns out, she’s late for a meeting at the Kushiro City Hall. I mean, c’mon, who schedules a meeting at 8 AM?
Anyway, I hit the button, and we’re zoomin’ up. Suddenly, the elevator jerks. I’m like, “Oh no, not today!” I can feel my heart racing. The lady’s eyes go wide. I’m thinkin’, “Great, I’m gonna be the guy who gets stuck in an elevator in Kushiro.” But nah, we just hit a little bump. Phew!
So, I get her to the 5th floor, and she bolts outta there like she’s in a marathon. I’m just standin’ there, chucklin’ to myself. “Kushiro’s got the fastest elevator riders,” I think.
Next up, I get this group of tourists. They’re all excited, takin’ selfies and stuff. One dude’s like, “Is this the elevator to the Kushiro Wetlands?” I’m like, “Nah, buddy, but it’ll take ya to the 3rd floor, which is almost as good.” They laugh, and I’m feelin’ like a comedian.
But then, bam! The elevator stops again. I’m like, “Seriously?!” I can hear the tourists gigglin’. I’m tryin’ to keep it cool, but inside, I’m like, “What’s wrong with this thing?” Turns out, it’s just a glitch. I hit the button again, and we’re back in business.
After that, I’m feelin’ a bit drained. I grab a quick lunch at this little joint on Shinhama Street. Best ramen ever! I mean, it’s like a hug in a bowl. I’m slurpin’ away, and this old guy next to me starts talkin’ about the Kushiro River. He’s all like, “You know, it’s the longest river in Hokkaido.” I’m nodding, but I’m really just thinkin’ about that ramen.
Back to work, and it’s a whole new vibe. I get this kid, maybe 10 years old, who’s super curious. He’s askin’ me a million questions. “How does the elevator work? Can it go to space?” I’m like, “Kid, if it could go to space, I’d be on a vacation right now!”
Then, I get this call from my buddy. He’s like, “Dude, you won’t believe what happened at the Kushiro Fisherman’s Wharf!” Apparently, there was a giant fish caught. I’m like, “Man, I need to see that!” But I can’t leave my post.
The day drags on, and I’m startin’ to feel the weight of it. I’m thinkin’ about how Kushiro’s got this charm. The mix of the sea, the mountains, and the people. It’s wild.
Finally, it’s almost time to clock out. I’m ready to hit the streets. But then, this lady comes in, all frantic. She’s lost her phone. I’m like, “Lady, you’re in the right place! I’m the elevator operator, not a detective!” But I help her out anyway. Turns out, it was in her bag the whole time. Classic!
As I’m leavin’, I stroll down to the Kushiro Fisherman’s Wharf. The sun’s setting, and it’s beautiful. I can see the boats bobbing in the water. I’m thinkin’, “This is why I love this city.”
So yeah, that was my day. Full of ups and downs, just like the elevator I operate. Kushiro, you crazy, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.