LEBO TLADI


TURTLE-THEMED FERRY





CLASSIC CARS AND MONDO GROSSO
10 May 2022



5 min read



Thinking Chair





For the past two and a half years, I haven't been able to return home to South Africa. However, I have recently been planning a trip to surprise my parents and sister this summer by arriving without prior notice. I've informed my brother and sister's partner about my intention to surprise our parents. With Japan gradually opening up and easing COVID-related restrictions, I should be able to leave and reenter the country without much difficulty. It's unfortunate that many countries still have limitations on entering Japan, but Japanese citizens and foreign residents here can freely travel in and out without facing strict entry conditions. I understand that governments prioritize the well-being of their citizens, which is a reasonable approach. However, it shouldn't come at the cost of mistreating people of other nationalities.


Nonetheless, I have saved enough funds and am in good health, so I am determined to travel this summer vacation. Additionally, my sister will be giving birth to her first child around my birthday in July, and I would love to be there for the whole experience. The thought of becoming an uncle fills me with excitement and prompts me to reflect on the passage of time and how we are all growing older with each passing day.



Turtle-themed Ferry





Before preparing for my upcoming trip, I decided to embark on a few more adventures before my departure in July. Fortunately, I had some leftover travel funds which I decided to allocate as my airfare for the journey back home. It turned out that these adventures didn't cost me much this time around. Being in my 20s without major responsibilities is truly a blessing. I have serious doubts about being able to lead this kind of lifestyle in my 30s or when my life responsibilities increase. That's why I am determined to make the most of my time right now.


My first adventure was to visit a hot spring island in Nachikatsuura. This island, known as Urashima, is primarily accessed through a free and short ferry ride from Katsuura's main port. For those who prefer driving, there is also a road that leads to the island. I hopped on the adorable turtle-themed ferry and soon found myself on the island, ready to indulge in the soothing hot springs it had to offer. However, my interaction with the receptionist felt scripted and distant. She spoke so rapidly that it was difficult for me to comprehend her words. Her lack of interest and tired appearance only added to the monotonous tone of her voice.


After rejuvenating my body in the tranquil waters, I ventured into the town centre and treated myself to an incredible chicken curry lunch at a cafe called Ai Mai, which was recommended by my friend Byron. The chicken was incredibly tender, sliding off the bone, and the blend of spices in the curry was simply perfect. The dessert was equally delightful, and the cafe exuded a nostalgic retro ambience. I highly recommend this place and will likely visit again in the future.



Birthdays and Classic Cars





Recently, we celebrated Aya's birthday. Aya is the wife of my friend Collin, and they drove down with our mutual friend Chase to attend a classic car meetup. Aya has a deep passion for classic cars, while Collin simply loves all kinds of cars. Aya's ownership of a Nissan Figaro further fuels her love for these vintage machines. It was a fantastic experience to see some true classics at the meetup, including a Porsche Carrera, Lamborghini Miura, and an MG MGB, among others. Some of the cars present were destined to become future classics, as they age gracefully over time.


After enjoying smoothies and birthday snacks at my apartment, we headed to a beachside Italian restaurant for lunch and to catch up. Despite the enjoyable day we were having, there was a rather morbid scene across the road above the sea. A helicopter, fire truck, drones, and a search crew were present, searching for a body. It was a morbid and stark contrast to the joyful atmosphere of the birthday. A wonderful day of birthday celebrations for Aya and friends; a day of mourning the loss of life of others. After the eventful day, I took the opportunity to rest and unwind from the long week I had. Indulging in Carre de Chocolat and Kyoto green tea has always been my go-to method for relaxation. Let us truly enjoy each day as it comes.



Mondo Grosso Live





I used to be heavily involved in breakdancing from the age of 15 until I turned 21. During that time, I had the opportunity to meet Jae, a skilled Korean dancer with whom I practised and competed within the realm of breakdancing. Besides the dance moves he taught me, Jae also introduced me to a lot of breakdancing music. One artist whose music he shared with me is Mondo Grosso. Interestingly, I wasn't even aware at the time that Mondo Grosso is a Japanese DJ, as much of his fame extends beyond Japan. I later discovered that a few friends here also have an affinity for Mondo Grosso.


Recently, Byron informed me that Mondo Grosso would be holding a small concert at the Key Terrace Hotel in Shirahama Town, renowned for its breathtaking sunset views in Wakayama Prefecture. Initially, I purchased two tickets with the hope of attending with someone, but when they couldn't make it, I invited my friend Taro to join me. Taro has always felt like a younger brother to me. Despite the light rain, the concert was a memorable evening filled with genuine music lovers. It was delightful to reunite with old faces. I look forward to experiencing more concerts in the future, particularly because of the peaceful and orderly atmosphere at this event, where everyone came together to enjoy the music and positive vibes. Before heading home, I savoured a satisfying meal of Maguro Don (raw bluefin tuna on rice) at a nearby izakaya.



Blog About the Fog





If you had told me a few years ago that I would be cycling 20km daily in just 50 minutes as part of my fitness goals, I wouldn't have believed you. And if you had also mentioned that I would be swimming 2.5km in an hour, twice a week, I would have been equally skeptical. Yet here I am, finding myself engaging in these activities almost every day, and I have never felt healthier. It is true what they say: health is indeed wealth, and I am motivated to continue on this fitness journey for as long as possible.


Moreover, I have come to realize that we often make excuses in life to avoid doing the things that can truly lead us to a better life. Cycling through the fog on wet roads, although admittedly dangerous, made me realize that if I can navigate through such challenging terrains and obstacles, I can also achieve the goals I set my mind and eyes upon. The added bonus to all of this is that I am blessed with breathtaking views during my cycling adventures.


I am always thankful to you all for reading my blog. This is a snippet of my life, and I am always happy to share with you, the few that find entertainment in engaging with my content.



IMAGE GALLERY





MONDO GROSSO LIVE: KEY TERRACE HOTEL



SUNSET FERRY



ON ROUTE TO URASHIMA



TURTLE-THEMED FERRY



INTO THE SUNSET



SEARCH AND RESCUE MISSION



NEW CYCLING ROUTE



FOGGY BIKE RIDES



SCRAPED



THINKING CHAIR



CLEANING ON A SUNDAY



HANGING WITH CURIOUS GEORGE



CUTE CHOPSTICK STAND



FRESH ŌHASHI LUNCH



FRESH MAGURO DON (BLUEFIN TUNA ON RICE)



SEASONAL COCO ICHIBAN YA CHICKEN CURRY



LUNCH AT A NEW GALETTE SHOP IN TOWN



SEAFOOD SALAD AT A SEASIDE EATERY: Kūkai



KAISEN DON (SEAFOOD BOWL ON RICE) AT Kūkai



DINNER WITH RICO & MIA AT ŌHASHI: GRILLED TAI



DINNER WITH RICO & MIA AT ŌHASHI: RAMEN



DINNER WITH RICO & MIA AT ŌHASHI: KINMEDAI



DINNER WITH RICO & MIA AT ŌHASHI: KIBINAGO



DESSERT AT AMA AI, NACHIKATSUURA



CHICKEN CURRY LUNCH AT AMA AI, NACHIKATSUURA



THANKS FOR DINNER, BYRON. A TASTE OF HOME



SWEET CHILLI CHICKEN WRAP AND VEGGIE DINNER



SOLID HAMBURGERS



TOKOBUSHI (JAPANESE ABALONE)



A SOLID BREAKFAST I



A SOLID BREAKFAST II



LEARNING HOW TO MAKE GYŌZA



YAKITORI, MASH AND SALAD DINENR



BEEF BOWL WITH RAW QUAIL EGGS AND VEGGIES



PIZZA AND WINE DINNER I



PIZZA AND WINE DINNER II



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