Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being an elevator operator in Towada is like riding a rollercoaster, but without the safety harness. So, I roll into work, right? It’s a sunny morning, and I’m thinkin’, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First off, I’m at the Towada Art Center, which is super cool, by the way. They got all these funky sculptures and stuff. I’m just minding my own biz, when this lady rushes in. She’s all flustered, like she just ran a marathon or something. She hops in the elevator, and I’m like, “Hey, where to?” She’s like, “Top floor, hurry!” So, I hit the button, and we’re zoomin’ up.
Suddenly, the elevator stops. Just stops! I’m like, “Great, just great.” I can hear her breathing all heavy, and I’m thinkin’, “Lady, chill! We’ll be fine.” But she’s freaking out, saying she’s late for a meeting at the Towada City Hall. I’m like, “Dude, it’s just a meeting. You’ll live.” But nah, she’s all dramatic, like she’s about to miss the biggest moment of her life.
Finally, I get the elevator moving again, and we reach the top. She bolts outta there like a bat outta hell. I’m just standing there, shaking my head. People are wild, man.
Then, I get a break. I step outside onto Chuo-dori, and it’s beautiful! The cherry blossoms are in full bloom. I’m takin’ a moment to breathe it all in. But then, BAM! A pigeon poops on my shoulder. Like, seriously? I’m just trying to enjoy the view! I look up, and the pigeon’s just chillin’ there, like it owns the place. I’m like, “Dude, you’re lucky I’m not a bird person.”
After that, I head back inside, and it’s a whole new crowd. This time, it’s a group of tourists. They’re all excited, snapping pics of everything. One guy’s trying to ask me about the best ramen spots in Towada. I’m like, “Bro, you gotta hit up Katsuya on Aomori Street. Best tonkotsu in town!” He’s nodding like he’s writing a novel or something.
But then, this kid starts pushing all the buttons in the elevator. I’m like, “Hey, little dude, chill!” But he’s just giggling, having the time of his life. I can’t help but laugh too. Kids are wild, man.
So, we’re going up and down, and I’m just trying to keep my sanity. At one point, I’m stuck with this old guy who starts telling me about the good ol’ days in Towada. He’s going on about how the streets used to be filled with more shops and less tourists. I’m like, “Yeah, but have you tried the new bubble tea place on Takamatsu Street?” He just looks at me like I’m crazy.
Then, outta nowhere, the fire alarm goes off. I’m like, “Oh great, just what I needed.” Everyone’s panicking, and I’m just trying to keep it together. I’m yelling, “Stay calm! Follow the exit signs!” But people are running everywhere. It’s chaos!
Finally, we get outside, and it’s just a drill. I’m like, “Seriously? A drill?” I can’t even. But then, I see the sunset over Lake Towada, and it’s stunning. I forget all the craziness for a sec. The colors are wild, like someone spilled paint in the sky.
As the day winds down, I’m exhausted but happy. I think about all the weird stuff that happened. I mean, who else gets to see all this? Towada’s got its quirks, but it’s home. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
So, yeah, that was my day. Just another wild ride as an elevator operator in Towada. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!