A Bit Too Far
Enthusiasm was high and intentions were good.
The trip is coming to an end and I want to seize every opportunity; see everything I can. Today C and I were excited to ride our bikes to the mall. This sounds like a plan my friend MJ and I would’ve made at age twelve. Walking outside it was clear to us both that it was way too hot! We decided go to the nearby Gooday Store and then to the beach shrine where I wanted to paint. Once at the Gooday Store we enthusiastically decided to go to the mall after all. I stayed near the house all day yesterday. I felt cooped up and even though it was hot thought the mall wouldn’t really be that far. Google Maps told it was just a 19 minute bike ride away - easy peasy. So we rode in the scorching heat and arrived. We looked around, picked up a couple of new shirts, drank much needed cold beverages to rehydrate, and climbed back on the bikes.
Our house mate Dee has been very generous and kind so we decided we’d trek the extra 10 min to McDonalds to pick up the happy meal toy she’d mentioned wanting to get for her daughter. That’s when things started to go south.
Our best intentions took us through rural rice field roads defined by dirt rutted tracks. One beautiful trail, then another, and so on till we reached the brink of death. Actually it was just me that reached the brink of death. C was a bucket of sweat but 13 years younger and a whole lot stronger than me he was still able to peddle his bike! Ultimately, we made it to McDonalds and then stopped at FamilyMart for beverages - an orange juice and a barley tea (thank you Kathy for that Japan tip!). When we started back on the bikes it was clear I couldn’t do it. So, against his protestations I sent him ahead to meet Dee for our lunch reservation at the Moon Rabbit Cafe.
After cooling down I jumped (ha!) back on the bike and made my way there. And yes, because I made it through alive it was TOTALLY worth the trip too far.
I wish I knew all that we ate at the cafe because it was stunningly delicious. Small little servings of pickled veggies, a cold corn chowder, a shrimp filled baked cheese and potato skillet, and multiple other tiny indescribable dishes of Yum. We were too full for mochi!
Before heading back to the house Dee and I visited Humming Joe, a beautiful refurbished furniture store. Dee and I also paid a visit to Old Joro the spider still guarding her (massive) web on the street mirror. And don’t let my reflected smile deceive; it took a lot of courage to get this photo!
For a much less threatening email ending click on this Moon Rabbit link for a version of the Moon Rabbit folk story including beautiful examples of crafted Usagi (Rabbits).