Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a swineherd in Nagano ain’t always a walk in the park. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds chirping, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Ha! Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First off, I head down to Chuo-dori, the main street. It’s buzzing, like always. Tourists everywhere, takin’ pics of the Zenko-ji Temple. I mean, it’s a cool spot, but c’mon, people! It’s not a photo op, it’s a sacred place! I’m just tryin’ to get my morning coffee at this little joint called “Café de Nagano.” Best coffee ever, but the line? Ugh, it’s like waiting for a pig to fly.
Finally get my cup of joe, and I’m feelin’ good. But then, BAM! I spill it all over my favorite swineherd shirt. Like, seriously? I’m out here tryin’ to represent, and I just look like a hot mess. I’m mad, but whatever, I laugh it off. Gotta keep it light, right?
So, I’m walkin’ down the street, and I see this street performer on the corner of Nagano’s famous “Yasaka Street.” Dude’s playin’ the shamisen, and it’s actually pretty dope. I stop to listen, and I’m vibin’. But then, this kid runs by, knocks over my piggy bank I carry for tips, and coins go everywhere! I’m like, “Really, kid? You just took my whole life savings!”
I chase after him, but he’s quick. I’m huffin’ and puffin’, and I finally catch up. I’m like, “Dude, you owe me!” But he just laughs and runs off. Kids these days, man. No respect for a swineherd’s hard-earned coins.
After that chaos, I decide to hit up the Matsushiro Castle. It’s a bit of a trek, but I need some zen after that wildness. The view from the castle is sick! You can see the mountains in the distance, and it’s just peaceful. I’m sittin’ there, takin’ it all in, when suddenly, a group of school kids shows up. They’re loud, like, “Hey, look at the pig guy!” I’m like, “Yeah, that’s me! The swineherd!”
But then, one of ‘em starts mockin’ me. “Oink, oink!” I’m like, “Bro, chill! I’m not a cartoon character!” But deep down, I’m kinda flattered. I mean, who wouldn’t wanna be a legend in Nagano, right?
Later, I’m wanderin’ around the Nagano Prefectural Art Museum. I’m not really an art guy, but I gotta say, some of the stuff is wild. There’s this one piece that looks like a pig made of noodles. I’m like, “Now that’s art!” I snap a pic, and my buddy texts me, “Dude, what’s wrong with you?” I just laugh.
As the day winds down, I hit up a local izakaya on the corner of Zenkoji-dori. I’m starving! I order some yakitori and a cold beer. Life is good again. I’m sittin’ there, chattin’ with the locals, and they’re all super friendly. One guy even offers me a free drink. I’m like, “This is the best day ever!”
But then, outta nowhere, a storm rolls in. I’m talkin’ heavy rain, thunder, the whole shebang. I’m stuck there, and I’m like, “Great, just great. Now I’m gonna be a soggy swineherd.”
Finally, the rain lets up, and I make a break for it. I’m walkin’ back home, soaked but happy. Nagano’s got its quirks, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s my city, my life, and even with all the craziness, I wouldn’t change a thing.
So yeah, that was my day. Just another wild ride in Nagano. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!