Route 2 and the countryside

We made it to Okayama at 7pm and plonked ourselves in a warm and yummy udon shop. The terrain was relatively flat and manageable and we made awesome time overall. We weren't even feeling that tired, until...

We checked and checked and couldn't find accommodation at a reasonable price for almost 3 hrs. Then, we got tired of sitting at the udon shop. I found out from my friend Sayana, that this week is an awfully busy period that marks not just the sakura season, but also the starting period of most companies' calender year, as well as college entrances! And no wonder the cheapest prices of average accommodation doubled in price. The same room that was $100 a week ago is now $200.

Eventually, after much searching by her very kind husband Yasu and us knocking around hotel doors around the Okayama station, we found a fancy one with a bathtub that has a nightview of the city. It was over budget but at least we got a respite with the beautiful scenery. It was 1am by the time we settled in. We slept the night away, missing breakfast and waking up after checkout time.

Most of today was uneventful. We met many wonderful people who waved at us. This is why I love the countryside. People slow down and have more time for the present things, where rushing exists only in a past life. There were many people we met; a rosy cheeked farmer, a father and daughter running down the slope laughing with abandon and a salary man honking and waving at us while we scooted along Route 2.

The one that stuck out in our minds was a grandmother and granddaughter pair, holding hands walking down a steep-sloped driveway. There was a certain gentleness and attentiveness in the grandmother; one that could only come from love. And her granddaughter walked with open curiosity, confidence in her every step in exploring life. You know from the way a child behaves, what her family environment is like.

It got us begging the question... In our perpetual pursuit for having more, becoming stronger, growing richer, have we neglected being present to the important things in life? Perhaps an extended hand to your stumbling child (instead of impatience), a friendly smile to stranger (instead of indifference) and warm hug to your loved ones might make all the difference in having a fulfilling life...

- Michelle Yang