Some days seem endless, persisting even after the sun has set. Memories cling to your senses, as sweet as the taste of strawberry cake, and the thought of bedtime carries the fear that, upon waking, today will have transformed into “yesterday.” Yesterday embodies a yearning for the unattainable, while tomorrow serves as a signpost of uncertainty and anxiety.
With these sentiments fresh in my mind, I wanted to write this blog post immediately following my fulfilling Sunday on Awaji Island. Awaji Island is one of those places Takashi and I return to time and time again. With each visit, I uncover a new facet of it. It’s like a Russian doll, concealing so many secrets and beauties within. On this particular Sunday, we explored the charming retro town in Sumoto City and relished a peaceful morning there.
Retro Town evoked nostalgic childhood memories, even though I didn’t grow up in Japan. Few locations in Asia possess this unique quality for me; another such place is Manila, a city I’ve had the privilege of visiting twice. Retro Town was a world apart from Manila, lacking its vibrant energy, yet it exuded a distinct, tranquil charm like the idyllic Sunday afternoons we all experienced during childhood.
On this Sunday, we noticed many people heading to the area. Numerous street vendors were busy trying to attract customers and sell their goods. Japanese shop owners have a different approach than what I’m accustomed to in my country; they often seem more reserved, while those in my home country tend to be more self-confident.
The next stop was Hyogo Prefecture Awaji Hanasajiki—a park famous for its cherry blossoms and vibrant flower fields, all set against a backdrop of the sea and the mainland.
We strolled up and down the hill, savoring the never-ending flower fields, filled with various types of flowers, whose names elude me at the moment. Unfortunately, I belong to the category of individuals who can never seem to remember the names of flowers.
I had wanted to visit a nearby book café for a while, and I was particularly eager to go this time because I heard that they had adopted a cat last year. Unfortunately, when we arrived, the place was closed. We can’t always have what we want, can we?
Without letting sadness overtake us, we drove around the island, accompanied by Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” album. We decided to enjoy the evening, watching the sunset on the west coast. Our first visit to the Picnic Garden was a satisfying experience, as we had never been there before. There were numerous food options, although the prices appeared a bit high to me. After strolling through the garden, I settled comfortably into my chair and lifted my gaze toward the sky.
The sunset that day was breathtaking, leaving everyone in awe and briefly hushing the surroundings. I cherish those moments when people can enjoy nature together and naturally fall into a shared, wordless appreciation. In these moments when the world becomes silent and we all witness the magic of the setting sun, we are reminded of our common humanity. A simple sunset has the power to bridge divisions and offer solace, giving us hope that amid chaos there are still zones of peace and unity waiting to be discovered.
So yes, the world needs less madness and more sunsets right now, because in the beauty of nature we find common ground and a momentary escape from the noise of the world.
How has your October been?
https://bahanurisabroad.com/2023/10/25/an-autumn-day-on-awaji-island/
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