🇦🇺 A Rainy Day in Ulladulla: Surf Culture, Birthday Cake, and a Child’s Smile

A Rainy Morning, A Quiet Rhythm

I woke once again in Ulladulla, in the warm home of my host, Wombat. Outside, heavy rain poured down. On the road, such weather usually fills me with unease. But under a roof, the same rain feels safe, even comforting. I opened my laptop and worked quietly. A journey isn’t just about moving forward—it’s also about taking time to pause and put things in order. Rainy days often become those rare chances to adjust, reflect, and prepare.

Ocean & Earth, A Surfing Hub

By late morning, Wombat invited me to visit “Ocean & Earth.” He had called it an “office,” so I imagined a modest space. Instead, before me stood a massive surf shop, the kind of place that could only exist in a town where surf culture runs deep. Among the rows of boards, some priced close to 100,000 dollars, I could sense the scale and seriousness of this world.

He showed me the back warehouse as well. Its size and stock were overwhelming. I had heard people say that “surfing is a way of life,” but seeing this firsthand, I finally understood the weight of those words.

An Unexpected Slice of Birthday Cake

As we greeted staff in the back, it turned out that one of them was celebrating a birthday that very day. To my surprise, they shared the cake with me too. To be offered a slice as a complete stranger felt both touching and humbling. The sweetness of that cake doubled because it was shared. Small coincidences like this are what enrich a traveler’s path.

A Child’s Energy and an Afternoon Swim

Later in the afternoon, Wombat’s young daughter returned home. To be honest, I’ve never been the type to be especially liked by children. Back in Japan, some even thought I looked intimidating. But she was different—wild, energetic, full of curiosity. She ran around the house with boundless energy, pulling me into her world.

Then came her bold invitation: “Let’s go to the pool!” Unsure at first, I agreed. Soon I found myself swimming alongside her, her laughter echoing through the water. For a while, I felt like a child again. I never imagined that playing with a child during my travels could soften my heart so completely.

Dinner and Gratitude

That evening, Wombat took me out to a stylish restaurant with the atmosphere of a bar. It was the second night in a row that I enjoyed warm, delicious food. Gratitude filled me more than the meal itself.

Tomorrow, I set out once again. The next destination is Bomaderry, beyond Nowra. Another new road, another new chapter waiting ahead.