Man, what a day! Seriously, I’m still reeling from it. So, I woke up in Yuasa, right? This little gem of a town in Wakayama Prefecture. I mean, it’s not Tokyo, but it’s got its own vibe. The streets are narrow, and the buildings are all cute and old-school. I love it here, but today? Ugh.
First off, I hit up the local market on Yuasa Street. You know, the one with all the fresh fish and veggies? I was pumped to snag some goodies for my merch. But guess what? I get there, and it’s like a scene from a horror movie. The fish? Stinky. Like, I thought I was gonna pass out. I mean, who thought it was a good idea to sell fish that smells like it’s been through a zombie apocalypse?
So, I’m trying to hold my breath, right? And then, bam! I bump into this old lady. She’s like, “Watch where you’re going, young man!” I’m like, “Lady, I’m just trying to survive the fish market!” But she just glares at me. I swear, her eyes could’ve burned a hole through steel.
After that, I needed a pick-me-up. I strolled down to the Yuasa River. It’s beautiful there, with cherry blossoms and all. I thought, “Hey, let’s chill for a sec.” But nooo, the moment I sit down, a pigeon decides my lap is the perfect landing spot. Like, dude, I’m not a bird perch! I shoo it away, and it just looks at me like, “What’s your problem?”
Then, I hit up this little café on Kubo Street. They have the best matcha lattes. I’m talking heavenly. I order one, and while I’m waiting, I overhear this couple arguing. Like, full-on shouting. I’m just sipping my latte, trying not to laugh. They’re going back and forth about who left the lights on. I mean, c’mon! Just turn them off!
Finally, I get my drink, and it’s perfect. I take a sip, and it’s like a warm hug. But then, I spill it all over my shirt. Great. Just great. Now I look like I’ve been attacked by a green monster. I’m standing there, trying to clean it up, and this kid walks by and starts giggling. I’m like, “Yeah, laugh it up, kid. You’ll spill your drink one day too!”
After that, I decided to check out the Yuasa Castle ruins. I thought, “Hey, some history might calm me down.” But nope! It’s all uphill. I’m sweating like a pig by the time I get there. And when I finally do, it’s just a bunch of rocks. I mean, come on! I expected at least a sign or something.
But then, I met this cool dude named Taro. He’s a local artist, and he was painting the view. We started chatting, and he told me about the history of Yuasa. Apparently, it was famous for soy sauce back in the day. Who knew? I mean, I love soy sauce, but I didn’t know it had a whole legacy!
So, we’re vibing, and I’m feeling better. But then, out of nowhere, it starts pouring rain. Like, seriously? I just can’t catch a break! Taro and I duck into this little shop on Kubo Street. It’s packed with all these quirky souvenirs. I’m talking about the weirdest stuff. There’s a cat statue that looks like it’s judging you. I’m like, “Dude, I don’t need this kind of negativity in my life!”
By the time the rain stops, I’m soaked, my shirt’s a mess, and I’m just done. But you know what? I had a blast. Yuasa is wild, man. It’s got its ups and downs, but that’s what makes it real. I mean, who else can say they spilled matcha on their shirt while chatting with a local artist and dodging pigeons?
So, I head home, and I’m just laughing at the day. It was chaotic, but it was mine. Yuasa, you crazy little town, I wouldn’t trade you for anything.