Day 31 & 32 - Imabari Laziness, Cycling Paradise and Hiroshima!

25/9

I woke up and wanted to get down from the mountain village I stayed in. First I had to climb the last bit though, but the way down was amazing! Love when it's down mountain/hill, but it inevitably means, at least for me who is doing long distance biking that I will have to go up again. 

It started raining and I wrapped my stuff up and continued. After 100 km I reached Imabari, the city just before the bridges that would lead me back to the main island, Honshu. The trip was long and my legs felt heavy, but I made it in somewhat good time. 

The rain got really bad and after eating tons of food near the station. (Went to two different restaurants), I decided to go to a spa. I stayed there for 9 hours, bathing, reading manga, sleeping and eating again. 

At 00:00, after thinking a lot and looking at maps, blogs and weather forecasts, I made a decision. I would go on to the bridges tonight. It didn't rain, but I had 6 hours before it would start again. 

The first 3 islands where easy, although the way to the first one was a bit tricky. When I got to the third island it was already 03:00. I decided to go slow and maybe catch a good view of the islands and bridges, but it soon started raining. 

Oh yeah, the rain by the way. I was kind of annoyed at the weather forecasts, but what can you so do, eh. On the fourth island I thought I might as well sleep a couple more hours and so I did. I would wake up, take the two last islands, get the view and be better rested. Although I slept some hours in the spa, riding in the dark makes you sleepy. 

26/9

When I woke up it was still raining and I just went on without doing much else than dreaming of my next big stop in Fukuoka. 

On the last island I had to take the world's shortest ferry ride. And for 70 yen. I'm not even kidding. I could throw my shoe to the other shore with the right wind conditions.

Then I ate breakfast and biked on. I took a detour not wanting to go through the mountains,
It turned out the trip wasn't that difficult and the 30 something extra kilometers were easy to finish. I felt great and I could have continued further, but okonomiyaki, a food pancake with whatever you want, was waiting for me. 

I went to a convenience store and there an old man and his family talked to me. The usual questions and then I was told that he did a trip around Hokkaido. He told me he was young back then and I ensured him he was still capable of doing a similar trip despite his age.

I didn't expect to be approached by someone in the city like that. I already felt a good vibe from Hiroshima. And the city is very awesome. Nice size, not overcrowded and a good city center. 

In the peace park I found out that I had a flat.... but wait, it was on the front tire!!
I just wrote about the fact that it's always the back tire... but as it turned out the front tire is easy to get on and off. No problem. 

In the park a met a guy who has been living here for over 14 years. He is originally from Germany, but lives here in Japan with his wife. He wanted to help me if I needed a bike store, and I'll go to it tomorrow and get spare tubes. 

Of course he knew about the city in ways tourists or people just passing through can't possibly know. I gave them my blogspot so if you're reading this I want to thank you again for helping out, I love that about traveling and meeting people!

I went for a public bath and then ate okonomiyaki, (the place I was suggested was unfortunately closed). 

Now I'm wondering how to spent the night, I might take some hours at a manga café or something like that. Tomorrow morning I'll go see the castle and maybe some other things if I feel like it. 

But tomorrow I'll also try to get as far as possible to Fukuoka. The trip feels like it will end there, but I also know that it isn't the case. I just can't wait to have some days with friends and of course my lovely girlfriend who is waiting patiently for my arrival. It won't be on a white horse, but a dead beat bike and a ton of baggage. Let's see how far I can take it tomorrow. Again, want to stay longer in Hiroshima, but time is money and I will definitely come back here again, no doubt. Top 5 of the cities so far.

Distance: 100 km.
Distance 2: 190 km.
Time in total covering both: 15 hours
Condition: loving the cool vibe in Hiroshima!
Quote: peace is free.

Day 30 - On to Shikoku!

24/9

After sleeping really well in the station I packed my stuff and left for Wakayama where I was to take the ferry to Shikoku. 

I made good speed although it was a bit hilly. I reached the city around 9, having been on the road for about 3 hours or something. 

Just before reaching the terminal I noticed that my back tire (oh I kid you not...!) was missing air. I hoped that it just needed some air, but thought it more likely to be punctured. While we're on the subject I have been wondering why it's always the back tire. It's the most annoying to change and you would think it would be the front tire to hit things first, right?

I could've changed it while waiting on the ferry, but I wanted to relax instead so I went to the waiting room. There, two older men talked to me and we had a good conversation about my current situation. They were kind of impressed. 

I went on the ferry and slept for the entire ride. After arriving in Tokushima I changed the tube. In front of the entire group of passengers waiting to take the bus. But I didn't care, haha. 

Then I made slow progress through the city where the traffic lights and a surprisingly good amount of cars made it difficult to go faster. I liked Tokushima though. Interesting city from the looks of it. 

I had 170 km to go, I already did 70 km, but because of the tire and the time the ferry trip took I couldn't make it before it got too dark to ride over the mountain pass. I could, but decided not to. I'm now sitting in a station where there is a closed 7-eleven and free WiFi. And I went to a public bath too. Nice! 

It's Saturday and almost everything is closed. No drunk people in the streets and the city is very quiet. I'll try to sleep here in the station, but first: the hunt for dinner begins. 

Distance: 150 km
Time: 7 h
Condition: glad to have showered.
Quote: forward I'll go no matter what.

Day 29 - From Osaka to Nara.. and then some.

23/9

I woke up after getting not much more than a couple of hours of sleep, but I didn't want to spend more money on the mange café so I went sightseeing very early in the morning. So early that the people trying to get customers to their store still stood the same place as yesterday. It was 3:30..

I went to all the places you go to in Osaka, and then I made preparations for today's trip to Nara. I would have to cross a mountain range, but I chose the best place to cross and hoped for the best. I really wanted to go to Nara.

The rain was falling steady without it being a shower, haha. I went on and hoped that the rain would stop once I reached Nara. It didn't take long to go the 55 km. And getting there was not as hard as I had feared. 

Once in Nara I went to see many shrines and temples and gates and I spent some time with the infamous Shika deers. They were not that bad, especially if you don't have the biscuits. When do people ever learn? 

Having spent 5 hours of sightseeing I thought about my next move. There was approximately 100 km to Wakayama, the next big city where I was to take the ferry to Shikoku. But I thought it would be easier to go some of the way and then gain some more time in the end. I have learned that when you have time, energy and nice weather then you better be working the bike otherwise you'll regret it.

Now, I got a good 50 km. before I wanted to take a longer break and recharge my phone. I found a MacDonald and sat there for some time. 

Suddenly I heard someone saying excuse me in my direction. I always go to the Mac without buying something there because I don't like to eat there so I was sure that they wanted to ask me to leave. But it turned out to be someone sitting at a table on the other side. She is from South Africa and teaches English in town. I was kind of surprised about meeting a non-Japanese all the way out here, but thought it must be a nice experience for her. 

I left in order to find something to eat and I wanted to look around for a place to sleep. After eating a feast at a set menu place in the mall, I met the girl again. Her name is Yentel and we talked for hours about being in Japan, being a foreigner in Japan and so on. 

We also talked about many other things and I wish I could stay longer, but I needed to sleep so I went to the station which didn't lock for the night and I slept very comfortably.

Tomorrow's plan is to cross Shikoku, let's see how that plays out. 

Distance: 105 km
Time: 6:30
Condition: ready to sleep!
Quote: as you think so shall you become

Day 28 - Here We Go, Osaka!

22/9

Today was visiting friends in Osaka day. Though most of them didn't really live in Osaka City, haha! I went to Osaka University Campus in Ibaraki, Osaka Prefecture... And it was in the mountains alright. Not too difficult to get to though, but the location surprised me. I met up with Tau and Arisa, my kouhais, hehe. And then they showed me around on the campus.

I must say, I am most excited to hear about their stories and I can't wait to see how their stay will turn out. Very interesting! 

After that I went to meet Cory and his wife. I was very much looking forward to that as well, it's been 3 years since we parted ways in Fukuoka and many things have happened since then! We ate a huge lunch and spent much time talking about everything. They were very kind to me too and I wish I could've stayed longer. 

But I had one more friend to visit. Saya who went to Copenhagen university 1 year ago as an exchange student. It was really good to see her again and we talked a lot over late dinner in a.. Hmm.. Cute restaurant...? The food was good, but I'll never go there alone that's for sure, hahaha! 

Now, after walking in the rain and getting all my things wet again, (just the bags, don't worry so much!!!), I went to E Street, a really funky place, found a manga cafe and settled in for the night! 

Today felt short and I didn't do much besides talking. Felt great meeting all those people though! Tomorrow sightseeing and Nara and more sightseeing!

Cheers! 

Distance: 70 km
Time: 4.20 h
Condition: Feeling the Osaka vibe!
Quote: Oh hey rain, you were not missed!

Day 27 - Goodbye Kyoto, Hello Osaka

21/9

I woke up and went to the Golden pavilion, one of the most famous landmarks in Kyoto from early morning, although I have been there before, I thought that since it was so close I might as well go and get a traditional Japanese experience. But of course there were too many tourists to be able to enjoy the atmosphere.

I was asked by a group of school kids from Tokyo to answer some questions in English and while talking to me I heard what they said in Japanese. Oh, if only they knew I could understand them... I wish they knew that. And not just them, but most Japanese. They don't see it as an option and therefore they end up saying whatever they think without filtering it, haha. Almost always interesting.

I went to the dormitory where my friends stayed and played smash brothers with Kasper. Then I washed my clothes and watched sumo on the tv. Great. After spending the entire day in their ihouse I got a taste once again of the great life there and I really wish I could go back to the time I lived in Fukuoka. But the trip must go on!

The entire day was quickly spent doing nothing special and we went to eat all-you-can-eat yakiniku (meat BBQ). It was amazing of course. The Danish students and some of their dorm friends joined and we had a blast. after that I packed my stuff, said goodbye and went on to Osaka. And this is where you reached the present time in my post. I'm looking for a place to sleep while updating the blog.

Tomorrow it's sightseeing and visiting friends in Osaka and hopefully getting a bit of rest before the next few days of bike madness begins. From Osaka to Fukuoka through Shikoku is where I don't know anyone and so I might do this part faster than I planned out. Let's see how well I do in Shikoku.

I would like to thank Kasper for helping me out while I stayed here, it was really great! Enjoy your time and best of luck, my friend!

Distance: 35 km
Time: 2.20
Condition: not hungry
Quote: more meat, please!

Day 26 - Typhoon in Kyoto!

20/9

I felt like I needed more sleep when I awoke from my sleep in the manga cafe. Because I'm charged every new hour I made haste and got out of there as early as possible. Not many things are open at 05:00. I needed more sleep so I went to a public space in Kyoto station after getting my bike at the dormitory where my friends live. 

And it was raining a lot.. Biking with an umbrella was a new experience for me and I can't say I like it. But since I have to care about things getting wet I had but little choice. Yesterday I did it without and it worked because almost everything was dry in my bags, almost. 

After getting more sleep I went to the manga museum and my expectations were sky high. I have read several articles from one of the professors at the university who is behind the museum and I must say I wasn't disappointed. Very good information and critical of many problems when addressing manga as a medium. 

There were a lot of things worth seeing and after concluding the exhibitions I went to the cafe inside the museum. The food wasn't enough and not really worth the price, but I had to eat and I wasn't finished with my stay there. (It was still raining). 

I had a nice experience though, the Japanese woman sitting next to me dared a question and we were talking for more than 20 minutes about whatever. It was in English though. I thought she picked the language since she engaged the conversation, but later I admitted I was able to speak Japanese too. Oh well. 

I went to the relaxing room where fat boys and comfy chairs made reading manga much more comfortable. And I stayed there for more than 6 hours reading manga and sleeping. So nice! But I noticed a lot of people where looking at me. Not because I was sleeping, so many other people did so too, but they were writing something. Or drawing maybe? I didn't know and I still don't know. But I like to think they were drawing people in there, haha. 

After finally getting myself worked up to leave the place I went through the streets of Kyoto to the dormitory, played some video games, ate some dinner and now I'm looking for a place to sleep. 

Distance: 25 km. 

Time: 2 hours

Condition: still kind of tired. 

Quote: you are living life now. (Saw it at a temple, thought it made sense and then I thought some more about it.) good times. 

Day 25 - A Small Change of Plans

19/9

Waking up this morning I realized that I had made a dinner event in Kyoto and it was today.. I messed up the dates and I'm really sorry! But I changed the event as fast as 7-eleven's WiFi permitted and hope that no damage was done.

I decided to go to Kyoto today though and there are many reasons. First of all it's raining and it will continue the next 4 days. So going through the mountains to Iga is not my favorite scenario. And I have friends in Kyoto and another typhoon is coming so Kyoto is the safer choice.

I made really good speed and shorten my breaks a bit too, although I really didn't have to because I made such great speed. And although it was raining I thought little of it, my stuff would be somewhat dry and if not I wasn't really going to use it in Kyoto anyway.

I thought a lot about what to do with Nara and Osaka and in what order I should go where. But I decided to do Osaka after Kyoto if it rains too much to go for a day trip to Nara from Kyoto. I really want to go, but the weather has to be nice because I have to be outside in Nara all day if I want to see the temples and parks which Nara is famous for.

Although I made the decision to go to Kyoto because I didn't want to ride my bike in the mountains it didn't mean that there were no mountains on the way to Kyoto.. I made good speed even there though! And getting back in Kyoto after 3 years was nice. I really like this city, I don't know why. The atmosphere is just... special. I walked in the rain here earlier with my ipod, listening to relaxed music and it was just right!

I have friends here in Kyoto and I ate dinner with one of them and his friend. After that we went back to their dormitory and played Smash Brothers. (Nice! ) And now I'm listening to the thunder storm outside from a manga cafe. I wonder how tomorrow's weather will be!

Distance: 168 km
Time: 7.30 h
Condition: Feeling good!
Quote: Wait.. I didn't get lost today even once?!