Man, today was a wild ride in Shimizu. Like, I woke up thinking it’d be just another day, ya know? But nah, Shimizu had other plans.
First off, I hit up the local café on Shimizu’s main drag, Sakae-dori. Best coffee ever! I mean, I’m not a coffee snob, but this stuff? Liquid gold, fam. I ordered a matcha latte, and the barista, this chill dude, was like, “You want it hot or iced?” I was like, “Dude, it’s Japan. Gimme both!” He laughed, and I felt like a genius.
So, I’m sippin’ my drink, and I see this old lady trying to cross the street. She’s like, 90, and the light’s about to change. I’m thinking, “C’mon, lady, you got this!” But she’s moving at a snail’s pace. I’m sweating bullets, like, “Is this how I’m gonna spend my day? Watching an old lady get run over?” But she made it! I cheered, and people stared. Whatever, I’m a hero in my own mind.
Then, I decided to stroll down to the Shimizu Fish Market. OMG, the smell! It’s like a seafood explosion. I love fish, but this was next level. I saw these giant tuna, and I’m like, “How do they even catch these things?” I mean, I can barely catch a cold.
While I’m wandering around, I bump into this street performer. He’s playing the shamisen, and it’s beautiful. I’m vibing hard, and then he starts singing. His voice is like honey mixed with gravel. I’m feeling all the feels, and I toss him some yen. He winks at me, and I’m like, “Dude, I’m not that easy!” But I totally am.
After that, I hit up the Shimizu Port. The view? Breathtaking. The ocean was sparkling like diamonds. I took a million pics, but my phone died. Classic. I’m standing there, staring at the water, and I’m like, “Why do I even bother?” But then I see a bunch of kids flying kites, and it’s just pure joy. I can’t help but smile.
But then, oh man, I got hangry. I needed food, like, yesterday. I found this little ramen joint on Takamatsu Street. The sign was all faded, but I was desperate. I walk in, and it’s packed. I’m thinking, “This better be worth it.” I order the tonkotsu ramen, and when it arrives? Holy smokes! It was like a hug in a bowl. I slurped it down like a champ.
Then, outta nowhere, this guy spills his drink all over me. I’m soaked! I’m like, “Dude, what’s your problem?” But he’s super apologetic, and I can’t stay mad. We end up chatting, and he’s a local artist. He invites me to his gallery later. I’m like, “Sure, why not?”
So, I head to his gallery on Koshinbō Street. It’s this cool, artsy space. His work? Mind-blowing. I’m standing there, staring at this piece that looks like a wave crashing. I’m thinking, “How do people even create this?” I’m feeling inspired, like I wanna create something epic.
But then, the fire alarm goes off. Total chaos! People are running everywhere. I’m just standing there, like, “Is this real life?” Turns out it was a false alarm. Phew! But my heart was racing.
Finally, I wrap up my day at a little izakaya. I’m sitting there, sipping on some sake, and I can’t help but think about how crazy today was. Shimizu, you’ve got my heart. From the coffee to the ocean views, to the ramen and the art, it was a rollercoaster.
I’m exhausted but happy. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings. Shimizu, you’re a gem.