Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being an auctioneer in Nakatsugawa is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds chirping, and I’m thinkin’, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill. First off, I hit up the local coffee shop on Nakatsugawa’s main drag, Sakae-dori. I’m all about that caffeine fix. I order my usual—black coffee, no sugar. The barista, this super chill dude, spills half of it on the counter. I’m like, “Dude, I need that!” But he just laughs it off. I mean, come on! I’m not made of money! Anyway, I grab my cup and head to the auction house. It’s on the corner of Kiso River and, man, the view is just stunning. The river sparkles like diamonds. I’m feelin’ good, right? But then I get there, and the place is packed. Like, standing-room-only packed. I’m thinkin’, “What’s the deal? Did I miss a memo?” Turns out, there’s this rare pottery piece up for grabs. Some ancient stuff from the Edo period. People are losing their minds over it. I’m up there, trying to keep it together, but my heart’s racing. I mean, I love the thrill, but this is next level. So, I start the bidding. “Who’s gonna start me off at 10,000 yen?” I shout. Hands shoot up like it’s a game show. I’m like, “Whoa, chill out, folks!” But they’re all in. I’m sweating bullets, trying to keep up. Then, outta nowhere, this old lady in the back yells, “I’ll give you 50,000 yen!” I’m like, “Lady, are you serious?” But she’s deadpan. I can’t even. I mean, who has that kinda cash just lying around? As the bids keep climbing, I’m feelin’ a mix of excitement and panic. I’m thinkin’, “What if I mess this up?” But then I remember, I’m the auctioneer! I got this! I’m channeling my inner rockstar, and the crowd’s eating it up. Finally, it hits 100,000 yen. I’m about to lose it. I’m like, “Going once, going twice…” and BAM! The old lady wins! She’s grinning like she just won the lottery. I’m happy for her, but also kinda jealous. I mean, I could use 50,000 yen for some new gear. After the auction, I step outside to catch my breath. The streets of Nakatsugawa are buzzing. I stroll down to the Nakatsugawa Onsen, thinking a soak would chill me out. But guess what? It’s packed too! Like, what’s with today? I finally find a spot, and as I’m relaxing, I overhear some folks talking about the cherry blossoms at Nakatsugawa Park. I’m like, “Man, I gotta check that out.” So, I hop over there, and wow! The blossoms are in full bloom. It’s like a pink explosion! I snap a few pics, feeling all zen. But then, I trip over a rock. Classic me, right? I’m sprawled out on the ground, and this group of kids starts laughing. I’m like, “Hey, I’m just practicing my yoga!” They don’t buy it, of course. As the sun sets, I’m walking back home, reflecting on the day. It was wild, emotional, and totally unexpected. Nakatsugawa, you never cease to amaze me. I love this city, even when it drives me nuts. So, yeah, that was my day. Just another crazy, beautiful day in Nakatsugawa. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!