Wow, what a day in Shimoda! Seriously, I can’t even. So, I woke up, right? Sun shining, birds chirping, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First off, I hit up the local bakery on Katsuura Street. Man, their melon bread is to die for! I grab one, and it’s still warm. I’m thinking, “Yesss, this is gonna be the highlight.” But then, I spill coffee all over my shirt. Like, really? Who spills coffee on a white shirt? Me, apparently. Ugh.
So, I’m walking down the beach at Tatadohama, trying to shake off the coffee disaster. The waves are crashing, and I’m feeling kinda zen. But then, outta nowhere, this kid runs past me, chasing a seagull. He trips, and boom! Faceplant in the sand. I can’t help but laugh. I mean, c’mon, it’s hilarious! But then his mom comes over, and she’s not laughing. She’s like, “What were you thinking?” Chill, lady! Kids fall!
After that, I decide to check out the Shimoda Aquarium. I’m a sucker for cute fish. I’m standing there, staring at these jellyfish, and I’m like, “Wow, they’re so graceful.” But then, I overhear this couple arguing. Like, really? At an aquarium? They’re fighting about who forgot to bring snacks. I’m just standing there, thinking, “Dude, you’re at an aquarium, not a snack bar!”
Then, I head over to Perry Road. It’s this cute little street with all these old buildings. I’m snapping pics like a tourist. I mean, who wouldn’t? It’s picturesque! But then, I see this sign for a tea shop. I’m like, “Ooh, tea time!” I go in, and the lady behind the counter is super nice. She’s like, “Try our matcha!” I’m all in. But then, I take a sip, and it’s like drinking grass. I’m trying to be polite, but my face says it all. She’s like, “You don’t like it?” I’m like, “No, it’s great!” (Liar, liar, pants on fire.)
After that, I’m feeling adventurous, so I decide to hike up to the Shimoda Ropeway. I mean, why not? I need to burn off that melon bread, right? The view from the top is insane! You can see the whole coastline. I’m snapping pics, feeling like a pro. But then, I realize I’m scared of heights. My legs are shaking, and I’m like, “Why did I do this?”
On the way down, I meet this old dude. He’s super friendly and starts telling me about the history of Shimoda. Apparently, it was a big deal back in the day with Commodore Perry and all that. I’m nodding along, but inside, I’m just thinking about how I need to get back to my proofreading job.
Finally, I make it back to the beach, and it’s sunset. The sky is all pink and orange, and I’m feeling kinda emotional. Like, wow, what a day! I sit down, eat my leftover melon bread (yes, I saved it), and just soak it all in.
So, yeah, Shimoda is wild. It’s got beaches, history, and the best melon bread ever. I’m exhausted, but I wouldn’t trade this day for anything. Just another crazy adventure in this beautiful city!