Uphill Battles, Kind Encounters, and the Wind That Won’t Leave

Daily miles: 28.16 | Total miles: 9,581.92

My alarm rang at 5:30 — the usual routine. Coffee, packing, and getting ready for another day on the road. At 6:25, I was in line for the hotel breakfast that officially started at 6:30, but people were already quietly helping themselves from the buffet. I enjoy watching how people here pick and arrange their food with such care and attention to detail. I stuck to two bread rolls with butter. Warm food just doesn’t work for me in the morning.

As soon as I left the hotel, the uphill climb began. Many schoolchildren passed me on their way to class, dressed in uniforms, with the younger ones wearing helmets — probably due to safety reasons. The morning was beautiful, calm at first, but soon the wind started again. It seems to have decided to stay. I’m slowly accepting that it will be my companion for a while.

A man walking by stopped for a short chat — very limited conversation, but it was nice. Later, I stopped at my favorite convenience store to get two rice triangles for the road. There I met Elen, who approached me and spoke English. Such a lovely surprise! Another brief but warm connection.

Google Maps then sent me through a park that was far too steep for the buggy — both uphill and downhill. As I struggled up the incline, breathing hard, I passed three elderly men. When I reached the top, I saw a barrier blocking the way. I must have looked lost because one of them came over, lifted it out of the anchor, and waved me through. Then another man asked where I was from — when I said “Switzerland,” he suddenly switched to German. A cheerful moment in the middle of a tough climb.

The park wasn’t easy — steep paths, uncertainty about whether I’d find an exit — but finally, I reached a downhill stretch and made it out safely. Soon I was back on national route 1, a major highway lined with shops, restaurants, and cyclists. The sidewalks were narrow and uneven, with many tricky intersections to cross, but the occasional view made up for it all.

Around mile 17, I noticed a sign that said “Dorf Bäckerei.” A German village bakery — right here in Japan! I had to stop. I went in, speaking German, but the woman didn’t understand a word — nor English. Still, we smiled, and I bought a few interesting pastries. I showed her my website to explain what I was doing, and we took a picture together. When I was getting ready to leave, she came outside and handed me two small cheese puffers — a gift for extra energy. Such a kind gesture. Thank you for the exchange.

Today I remembered why I started listening to music during my world run once I reached Kansas — because of the wind. So I put in my earbuds again, and it helped. The noise faded a bit, and I found some peace. The constant uphill and headwind made the day challenging, but that’s part of it.

By the time I reached the outskirts of Okazaki, I needed a supermarket stop before heading to the hotel. Yesterday I said I felt comfortable shopping now — well, today I went to a different store and it almost felt like day one again. Still, I managed.

I’m now settled on the 7th floor. The buggy fits perfectly. Another day done. Another set of stories to carry forward. Let’s see what tomorrow brings.

Thanks for checking in, Andrea