Autumn, in its full glory, today, I went for a drive towards Shonan with Ai-chan.
Although it sounds pleasant written like this, in reality, we decided to go on this drive to take a look at a property we are considering for
moving.
We arrived at the meeting place with the real estate agent with time to spare.
This place might become our home, but my heart wasn’t fluttering with excitement as much as I thought it would be. Thinking about the various busyness that awaits, it felt a bit overwhelming. I wish I could be a bit more casual and relaxed.
That seems to be keeping my excitement in check.
However, considering my mother-in-law’s age of 91, I fully understand that we can't be too casual.
This small town in Nakagun, Kanagawa Prefecture, is very different from the hustle and bustle of the city, serene and calm. Since it's a used property, there were several places that needed renovation.
However, the moderately spacious garden visible from the living room on the first floor was quite appealing.
There are several very large trees, the age of which is unknown. The garden is spacious enough, manageable for maintenance,
and it seems like we could invite our grandchildren for a barbecue.
Since it’s an old house, there was a veranda behind the Japanese-style room. It’s typical of a Japanese-style house, but this space is very much appreciated.
It reminded me of my childhood, basking in the warm sunlight and reading books on the veranda of the house where I grew up.
On the way back, we drove through Hiratsuka, Chigasaki, and Enoshima.
I realized that these areas truly deserve to be called the Shonan area. Along the national highway, there were numerous stores that seemed to cater to surfers. Today as well, young people, presumably having been surfing, were walking happily along the sidewalk.
Various cafes were bustling with such people. The term "Shonan Waikiki" fits perfectly. Is this really the same Japan? The air, the wind, felt different.
Along the road, there was a notice about the "Chigasaki Southern" tournament next week, and congestion is expected.
There might even be a fireworks display.
Since I’m not very familiar with this area, we decided to have an early dinner at a visible restaurant. We went into "Red Lobster Enoshima."
The oysters and lobster were exceptionally delicious. For dessert, we ordered something that had apples and ice cream together.
Having had some tea, and feeling refreshed,
We headed straight back home.
Oh, by the way, I also took a look at the small town's station, and it was quite a lovely station building.