Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being an auctioneer in Kyoto is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds chirping, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First off, I’m hustlin’ down Shijo Street, dodging tourists like I’m in a video game. Seriously, these folks are everywhere! I mean, I get it, Kyoto’s got temples, shrines, and all that jazz, but c’mon! I almost tripped over a guy taking a selfie in front of a vending machine. Like, dude, it’s just a vending machine! But hey, it’s Japan, so I guess it’s a big deal.
Anyway, I finally make it to the auction house. It’s on Kiyamachi Street, right by the river. Beautiful spot, but today? Ugh. The vibe was off. My boss, Mr. Tanaka, was in a mood. He’s pacing like a caged tiger. I’m thinkin’, “What’s up with him?” Turns out, he’s stressed about this rare samurai sword we’re auctioning. It’s a big deal, like, “Holy grail” level.
So, I’m up there, ready to do my thing. The crowd’s buzzing, and I’m feelin’ pumped. But then, outta nowhere, this old lady in the front row starts yelling. I mean, full-on shouting! “That sword belonged to my great-grandfather!” I’m like, “Lady, chill! We’re not giving it away for free!” But she’s relentless. I’m sweating bullets, trying to keep the auction on track.
Finally, I manage to calm her down. I’m like, “Ma’am, we’ll get you a nice cup of matcha after this, okay?” She nods, and I’m back in the zone. Bidding starts, and it’s wild! People are throwing up their hands like they’re at a rock concert. I’m shouting numbers, and the adrenaline’s pumping.
Then, BAM! The sword sells for a crazy amount. I’m ecstatic! But then, I see the old lady again. She’s crying. I’m thinkin’, “Oh man, did I just ruin her day?” But she comes up to me, and instead of being mad, she hugs me! Like, what? I’m not used to this kinda emotional stuff. I’m just an auctioneer, not a therapist!
After that, I needed a breather. So, I head over to Gion, the geisha district. I’m strolling down Hanami-koji Street, and it’s like stepping into a postcard. Lanterns everywhere, and I spot a geisha. She’s gliding by, and I’m just standing there, mouth agape. I mean, how do they walk like that? It’s like magic or something.
I grab some street food—yaki tori, yes please!—and sit by the river. The sun’s setting, and it’s beautiful. I’m munching away, feeling grateful. But then, I see a couple of pigeons fighting over a piece of my chicken. I’m like, “Hey! That’s mine!” But they don’t care. They’re in their own world.
As I’m finishing up, I get a call from Mr. Tanaka. He’s like, “We need you back ASAP!” I’m thinking, “Dude, I just had a moment!” But I rush back, and guess what? There’s a surprise auction! Some rich guy just walked in with a collection of ancient scrolls. I’m back on stage, and it’s chaos again.
The scrolls are beautiful, but the bidding is insane! People are throwing money like it’s confetti. I’m trying to keep up, but my brain’s fried. I’m mixing up numbers, and at one point, I accidentally say “one million” instead of “one hundred thousand.” The crowd goes wild! I’m like, “Oops, my bad!” But hey, it worked out. The scrolls sold for a fortune.
Finally, I’m done for the day. I’m walking back to my place, exhausted but happy. Kyoto’s streets are lit up, and I can’t help but smile. It’s been a rollercoaster, but that’s what makes it fun, right?
So, yeah, that was my day. Full of surprises, emotions, and a bit of chaos. Just another day in the life of an auctioneer in Kyoto. Can’t wait to do it all again tomorrow!