Man, what a day! Seriously, I can’t even. So, I’m a sign language interpreter, right? And today was just... wow. I woke up in Tawaramoto, Japan, and thought, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First off, I hit up the local konbini on Shimozato Street. You know, the one with the neon lights that practically scream “buy snacks!”? I grabbed my usual: onigiri and a can of iced coffee. But guess what? They were out of my fave flavor! Ugh, I was like, “Are you kidding me?!” I mean, how hard is it to stock up on tuna mayo?
So, I’m already a bit grumpy, but whatever. I head to my first gig at the Tawaramoto Community Center. It’s a workshop for deaf kids. Super cute, right? But then, I get there, and it’s chaos! Kids running everywhere, like little tornadoes. I’m trying to sign and keep up, but they’re all hyped on sugar or something. One kid, Yuki, throws a paper airplane right at my face! I’m like, “Dude, chill!” But he just laughs. Kids, man.
Then, outta nowhere, the fire alarm goes off! I’m thinking, “Great, just what I need.” Everyone’s freaking out, and I’m trying to sign “stay calm” while dodging kids. It’s like a scene from a movie. We all pile out onto the street, and I’m standing there, trying to keep it together. Tawaramoto’s streets are usually so peaceful, but today? Total madness.
After the fire drill (which was a false alarm, thank goodness), I finally get to do some actual interpreting. The workshop was about art, and these kids were so talented! I mean, they were painting like little Picassos. I was signing their thoughts, and it felt amazing. I was smiling so much, my cheeks hurt.
But then, I get a text. My next gig got canceled! I’m like, “Are you serious?!” I was looking forward to it. It was at the Tawaramoto City Hall, and I was gonna meet some cool people. Now I’m stuck with nothing to do. So, I decide to wander around.
I stroll down to the riverbank by the Yoshino River. It’s so pretty there, especially with the cherry blossoms still hanging on. I sit on a bench, just soaking it all in. But then, I see this old dude feeding the pigeons. And I swear, one pigeon just straight-up lands on his head! I couldn’t help but laugh. Like, dude, you’re a pigeon magnet!
After that, I hit up a little café on Kawai Street. The barista is this super chill guy who makes the best matcha lattes. I order one, and while I’m waiting, I overhear this convo about a local festival coming up. I’m like, “What festival?” Turns out, it’s the Tawaramoto Matsuri! I’ve never been, and now I’m pumped!
But then, my phone dies. Of course! I’m like, “Why today of all days?” I can’t even Google the festival details. So, I just sit there, sipping my latte, feeling a mix of happy and annoyed.
Finally, I head home, and I’m exhausted. I flop on my couch, thinking about the day. It was wild, emotional, and totally unexpected. Tawaramoto, you’ve got my heart racing! I can’t wait for that festival. But first, I need to find my favorite onigiri flavor. Seriously, it’s a must!
So yeah, that was my day. Just another crazy, beautiful day in Tawaramoto. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!