Man, what a day! I’m a forester, right? So, I’m used to chillin’ in the woods, not dodging cars in the city. But today? Oh boy, Maki really threw me for a loop.
First off, I roll into Maki, and it’s like, whoa! The streets are buzzing. I mean, I’m used to the sound of birds, not honking horns. I hit up the main drag, Kōen-dōri, and it’s packed. Like, where are all these people coming from? I swear, I almost got run over by a bike. A freakin’ bike!
So, I’m tryin’ to find this café I heard about. Supposedly, they got the best matcha lattes. I’m all about that green tea life. But, of course, I take a wrong turn on Sakae-dōri. Classic me, right? I end up in this tiny alley, and it smells like fried food. Not bad, but not what I was lookin’ for.
I finally find the café, and it’s called “Maki Green.” Cute name, right? I walk in, and it’s like stepping into a Pinterest board. Plants everywhere! I’m feelin’ all zen until I see the line. Ugh! I’m not waitin’ forever for a drink. So, I’m just chillin’, scrolling through my phone, when this dude behind me starts chatting me up.
He’s like, “You a forester?” I’m like, “Yeah, how’d you know?” Turns out, he’s a local artist. He paints trees. I mean, how cool is that? We start talkin’ about the forests around Maki, like the beautiful Maki Forest Park. I tell him about the wildlife, the deer, the birds. He’s all eyes, like he’s never heard of a deer before.
Then, outta nowhere, the power goes out! I’m like, “What the heck?” The café goes dark, and people start freaking out. I’m just standin’ there, tryin’ to keep it together. I mean, I’m used to the dark in the woods, but this? This is chaos!
After a few minutes, the lights flicker back on, and everyone cheers. I finally get my matcha latte, and it’s like heaven in a cup. I take a sip, and it’s so good, I almost cry. Seriously, I’m not even joking.
But then, I step outside, and it’s pouring rain. Like, what is this, a monsoon? I’m soaked in seconds. I’m tryin’ to find shelter, and I duck into this little shop on Nakamura Street. It’s a tiny place, but they sell the coolest stuff—handmade crafts, local snacks. I grab some mochi, and it’s like a party in my mouth.
While I’m munching, I overhear this couple arguing. They’re going at it, and I’m just standing there, awkwardly eating my mochi. I mean, come on, guys! Not the place for a fight! But then, the guy storms out, and the girl just starts crying. I feel bad, but also kinda relieved. Like, at least it’s not me, right?
After that drama, I decide to head to the Maki Castle. I’ve heard it’s beautiful, and I need some fresh air. I walk over, and it’s stunning! The cherry blossoms are in full bloom. I’m takin’ pics like a tourist. I mean, who wouldn’t?
But then, I see this kid climbin’ a tree. I’m like, “Dude, be careful!” But he just laughs and keeps climbing. I’m thinkin’, “Man, I used to do that.” I get a bit nostalgic, ya know?
As the sun sets, I’m sittin’ on a bench, just takin’ it all in. Maki is wild, man. It’s got this energy. I’m feelin’ happy, but also kinda drained. I mean, I’m a forester, not a city slicker!
Finally, I head back to my car, and I’m like, “What a day!” I’m exhausted but also pumped. Maki, you crazy! I’ll be back, but next time, I’m stickin’ to the woods.