Setting Off Again
This was the day I finally set off for a proper ride again. The rhythm of pushing the pedals, the wind brushing past, the town slowly fading behind me—all of it told me clearly: the journey has begun once more.
My destination today was a place called “Little Lake.” Someone I had connected with through Threads had kindly invited me to stay at their home, so I rode on with that goal in mind.
Along the Road
But the road I traveled was not quite the Australia I had imagined.
On the roadside, I saw trash—plastic bags, empty cans, even old tires scattered here and there.
I had always thought of Australia as a country of rich nature and clean landscapes. But here was another side of reality, one I could not ignore.
Yet, it wasn’t only negative. Back in Japan too, behind every neat street, there were problems visible if you looked closely. You could pass by pretending not to see, or you could pause, and notice, and start to ask why.
Travel often dazzles us with beauty—scenery, encounters, unforgettable moments. But days like this remind me: facing reality has just as much meaning.
A thought came to me naturally: “Throwing away trash is the same as throwing away the future.”
As a traveler, I want to be mindful. Even when it feels inconvenient, I believe each action I take has power to shape what comes next.
A Warm Welcome
At last, I reached my host’s house safely. The first one to greet me at the door was not a person, but a giant Saint Bernard.
I had only seen such a dog in movies. Standing almost at my height, wagging its tail and moving toward me, it was both overwhelming and heartwarming. I couldn’t help but laugh.
Inside, I was welcomed with a table full of dishes: fresh seafood, smoky sausages, juicy fruits, and homemade desserts. Every detail showed that they had listened carefully to what I liked, preparing everything with thought and kindness.
It was more than I could have asked for. Just being allowed to stay was already enough, but to be received with such care—by the end of the day, words could not hold the depth of gratitude filling my heart.
