Saying Goodbye to a Beautiful Stay in Kurume
The morning of my departure from Kurume was filled with overwhelming gratitude for the beautiful place I had been calling home.
I noticed so many lovely updates to the house—the famously squeaky toilet was finally fixed, and the sliding fusuma doors on the left had been beautifully restored to their former glory. Feeling deeply touched by the owner's warm invitation to stay even longer next time, I hit the road with a firm promise to return after traveling the globe.
The Journey to Shikanoshima
My next destination was Shikanoshima in Fukuoka.
Although it has "island" (shima) in its name, it's actually uniquely connected to the mainland by a sandbar. I started the trek by hopping off at Saitozaki Station, taking in the wide-open spaces as I walked toward the coastal center of town.
From there, I caught a ferry bound for the Katsuma area of the island.
Saitozaki
Saitozaki is a captivating coastal town located at the edge of Fukuoka's Uminonakamichi peninsula, renowned for its unique blend of nostalgic American-influenced history and breathtaking views of Hakata Bay. Once a base for U.S. military personnel, the area now offers a tranquil escape featuring vintage architecture, charming local cafes, and easy access to expansive seaside parks, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat with a touch of mid-century cosmopolitan flair.
A Year and a Half Later: Pasta and Promises
Upon arriving in Katsuma, I headed straight to see Ricky, who had kindly invited me over to her place.
It had been over a year and a half since we last saw each other. Although it wasn't just the two of us, her welcome was incredibly warm, and I was treated to a mouth-watering plate of her homemade spaghetti. Honestly, there's truly nothing quite like a home-cooked meal when you've been on the road for a while. We made a solid promise to cross paths again after I finish exploring more of the world, wrapping up a perfectly fulfilling day with great food and even better company.
