Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, Ueda really knows how to throw a curveball. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s blazin’, birds chirpin’, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First off, I’m headin’ down Chuo-dori, and I’m already late. Classic me. I’m a shearer, not a clock-watcher. Anyway, I’m hustlin’ past all these cute little shops. Ueda’s got this vibe, ya know? Like, old-school Japan meets modern hustle. I pass by this ramen joint, and the smell hits me like a freight train. I’m like, “Dude, I need that in my life.” But no time! Gotta shear some sheep, or whatever.
So, I finally get to the farm, and it’s chaos. Sheep everywhere! I mean, I love the fluffballs, but c’mon! They’re runnin’ around like they just heard the ice cream truck. I’m tryin’ to catch ‘em, and I’m trippin’ over my own feet. Ugh! I’m sweatin’ like a sinner in church.
Then, outta nowhere, this one sheep decides it’s a good idea to headbutt me. Like, really? I’m just here to give you a haircut, not start a WWE match! I’m mad, but also kinda impressed. That sheep’s got guts.
After the sheep rodeo, I’m finally shearin’. It’s hot, and I’m covered in wool. I look like a walking sheep myself. But hey, the feelin’ of gettin’ that wool off? Pure bliss. It’s like a weight lifted. I’m in my zone, just me and the sheep.
Then, bam! My buddy Taro shows up. He’s got this wild idea to hit up the Ueda Castle after work. I’m like, “Dude, I’m dead on my feet.” But Taro’s relentless. “C’mon, man! It’s history!” So, I’m like, “Fine, but I’m not walkin’ up any hills.”
We hit the castle, and wow! The view from up there? Breathtaking. You can see all of Ueda sprawled out. The mountains in the background, the city buzzin’ below. I’m feelin’ all philosophical, like, “Life’s good, man.” But then, I trip on a stone. Classic! I’m sprawled out, and Taro’s laughin’ his head off.
After that, we grab some drinks at a local izakaya. I’m finally chillin’, and the food is bomb. I’m talkin’ yakitori, edamame, the works. I’m stuffin’ my face, and Taro’s tellin’ me about this festival coming up. Ueda’s got these festivals that are lit! I’m thinkin’ about the food stalls, the music, the people.
But then, outta nowhere, my phone buzzes. It’s my boss. “Need you back at the farm ASAP.” I’m like, “Are you kidding me?” I just got here! But duty calls, right? So, I’m chugging my drink, and we bolt back to the farm.
When we get there, it’s a whole scene. A sheep got loose, and it’s runnin’ wild down the street! I’m chasin’ it like a madman, and people are just watchin’. I’m sure they’re thinkin’, “What’s this guy doin’?” But I’m not givin’ up. Finally, I corner it near the Ueda River. I’m pantin’, but I catch it! Victory!
By the end of the day, I’m exhausted but happy. Ueda’s a wild ride, man. From sheep rodeos to castle views, it’s got it all. I’m sittin’ on my porch, drinkin’ a cold one, thinkin’ about how crazy life is. Can’t wait to do it all again tomorrow. Ueda, you’ve got my heart!