The last few days before leaving is the absolute worst. Is it excitement that I feel? Anxiousness? I may even be a bit sad. As I hear the rain prattle on, I think of all the things I wanted to say to those I will not see again, for a good while at least. Having spent almost a year in a town which at first glance can offer absolutely nothing worth staying for, its treasure-- aside from the nationally recognised heritage site of Hikone Castle-- is its tranquility that can strengthen bonds, because if there is nothing else to do, best enjoy the company of each other.
One year. I wouldn't say that this is enough but I wouldn't say that it is, either. Especially when the better half of my life here coexisted with the peak of Covid-19 and I had to spend everyday in my room, attending Zoom classes seated on the floor until I couldn't feel my buttocks, or legs. At some point I started to lie down in bed, or did stretching exercises. By tilting my laptop screen upwards, they could only see my head anyway. Besides, I doubt that anyone really paid full attention after the first hour.
During those months of beautiful spring weather, the only places I bothered going to were the 7-Eleven that's 3 minutes away, and the supermarket. Even the Cafe/Bakery I worked at took a month off, stopping its eat-in services for a while. I was called in again once they decided that it was probably safe to let customers dine in again so my workplace was added to the rather short list of places I go to when I'm not in bed feeling bitter about the pandemic. To be honest, I thought I was going to get infected at some point and die in Japan without seeing my family, but I'm glad that didn't happen, and surely, won't happen. Even if I get it now, I'll die on Malaysian soil.
It is now nearing the end of summer and the hidden gems of Hikone keep popping up on my Instagram feed. When I said that at first glance, Hikone appears to be a deadbeat town with little to offer, this is what I meant. Retro Machiya turned cozy cafes, artisan chocolate, a good number of French Patisseries-- all tucked in random alleyways under the shadow of Hikone Castle. One such gem, which is rather conspicuous considering its strategic location that's next to the castle's outer moat, is my lovely place of Arubaito, Pomme d'Amour. The owner is as sweet as their dessert and the always welcoming temperature paired with the aroma of freshly baked Croissants, has made it one of my favourite places here. That is to say, because I spend 3 to 4 days a week working 8 hour shifts there, it had become a place of familiarity and on my off days, I can never even finish the leftover goods I bring home so I rarely ever go to other Cafes. Though stumbling upon Pomme through the recommendation of a dear friend, has been the biggest blessing, and also one of the main reason why I was able to live out a satisfying life as a short-term exchange student. The love I felt, is real. Which brings me to my next wordy point full of the gratefulness so uncharacteristic of me:
My time in Hikone would have been an absolute hell if it weren't for the people I've spent most of my days here with, whether it be those who came with me, or those I met after arriving in this town that's obsessed with a fat cat who wears a Kabuto. There are a few people I have in mind, and when I think of them, this urge to thank them over and over again rises like a wave, but I can only do so much as smile. I wonder if they know, that they are the reason I'm happy now. Some I sent letters, others I didn't, or haven't.
Of all my experiences living here and there, meeting whoever and whoever, Hikone has been one that I cherish and hold dear the most. This, I can say from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for teaching me that happiness exists in being kind and being able to laugh together. It's no wonder that the people here are hippies who live for all things organic and all things vegan. Biwako's glistening waters may have their own secret after all.
一年間、ありがとうございました！
#LoveHiko
