A Morning Gift
When I woke up, the sound of sizzling came from the kitchen. The gentleman I was staying with was already preparing breakfast. On the plate were sausages so large that I had never seen anything like them in Japan.
A single dish transformed an ordinary morning into a time of celebration.
It was a full rest day for me. “Since you’re here, I’ll show you around,” he said. And with those words, a small sightseeing trip began.
The Horizon Where Sea and Sky Meet
Our first stop was the coast.
The horizon stretched endlessly, as if marking the edge of the world. Beyond that line lay the route to the Great Ocean Road, one of Australia’s most famous scenic drives. Just imagining the day I would cycle along that road made my heart leap with excitement.
Mt. Gambier’s Secret Nature
Next, he took me to what he called a “secret spot.”
It was a quiet body of water, so clear that the bottom could be seen with no effort. It wasn’t in any guidebook. Perhaps even many locals didn’t know it existed. I stood there holding my breath, mesmerized by the transparency and calmness of the place.
Real Voices in Everyday Life
Back at the house in the afternoon, the TV was showing news about floods in New South Wales. He explained the situation and the causes carefully.
“You don’t see much of this kind of coverage in Japan, do you?” he asked.
That simple remark stayed with me. Traveling means touching realities you cannot encounter at home. Hearing the news not just from a screen but through someone’s words gave it a completely different weight.
A Feast and a Quiet Smile
In the evening, the dining table was set with a massive piece of meat. Each slice released juices that filled the room with the aroma of roasted beef.
As if that wasn’t enough, he had prepared a homemade dessert too.
“How much are you going to spoil me?” I laughed, and he only smiled quietly.
Later, I learned that he had trouble with his legs and walking was difficult. And yet, he still gave everything to host me and show me around.
Even when his steps faltered, his spirit kept moving forward. Watching his determination, I thought to myself, “I want to live like this too.” That day, it was not only landscapes but a person’s presence that left the deepest mark on my heart.
