A Rainy Morning and the Parrotsâ Nesting
At six in the morning, under a dim and heavy sky, I had noodles and coffee for breakfast. The air carried the weight of rain, and soon enough, the drops began to fall, turning into steady showers. Yet I wasnât worried. I had plans for the dayâRobyn, who lives on the Mornington Peninsula, was coming to pick me up.
Instead of restlessness, I found myself enjoying the quiet rhythm of the raindrops. Just in front of my tent, a group of colorful parrots were building their nests. Some carried twigs, some kept watch, others carefully arranged the branches. It felt like peeking into a tiny society, a family working together. I watched for a long time, forgetting the chill of the rain.
Morningtonâs Coast and a Seaside CafĂ©
At half past nine, Robyn arrived with a smile. We shook hands, moved my bags into her car through the rain, and soon found ourselves at a seaside café. A hot cup of coffee warmed me as I looked out at the quiet, gray sea.
From there, we drove into Mornington town. Along the beach stood rows of colorful huts. Robyn explained they were private lodges for wealthy families, used mostly on weekends. Just ten seconds away from the water, each hut carried its ownerâs unique taste through bright colors and decorations. They seemed almost like small portraits of their personalities.
Lunch in the Rain and a Purple Pasta
Further south, in the middle of heavy rain, we stopped at a place called the General Wine Store. From the menu, I chose a plate of pasta unlike anything I had seen beforeâtopped with purple vegetables.
It looked almost like seaweed or wood ear mushrooms, but the taste was refreshing and subtle, something I had never encountered in Japan. Paired with the sound of the rain outside, the dish left a deep impression. It was a moment where taste, place, and weather blended into one vivid memory.
The Warmth of a Home and Tomorrowâs Miso Soup
After lunch, we visited an Asian grocery store to buy ingredients. I decided to cook miso soup for tomorrowâs dinner, so I picked up miso paste and vegetables.
Robynâs house was filled with the scent of wood. A spacious bathroom, a well-kept guest room, and a peaceful garden where a dog wandered lazilyâit all felt welcoming. That evening, I cooked a simple egg omelette-style dish. When Robyn smiled and said, âDelicious,â I finally felt relieved.
There wasnât much distance traveled today, but the sea breeze of the Mornington Peninsula, the warmth of a family home, and the new flavors I discovered made it a memorable day. The day after tomorrow, my bicycle journey will begin moving forward once again.
