entry 24!
After enduring two relentless night shifts and carrying a mountain of stress for what felt like an eternity, I desperately needed a break. My last real escape was a trip to Sikkim, West Bengal, India, back in 2018, just before the world came to a standstill due to the pandemic. Since then, life swept me away to Japan, where I spent two whole years without a single holiday or even a long drive. But finally, it was time for a change—my long-overdue summer vacation.
It’s funny how life seems to throw everything at you just when you’re about to take a break. This time was no different. Everything was a mess, as it always is when I try to slip into holiday mode. My “superpower” of unintentionally complicating things kicked in, and before I knew it, I was drowning in a sea of anxiety and sleepless nights. Atami was the plan, though I wasn’t sure if it would actually happen or who would join me. We started with five people, but life happened, and four of us made it to the destination. But it turns out, four was all we needed.
The moment I arrived in Atami, the sea worked its magic. It felt like the ocean absorbed all my stress, like a magician pulling off the ultimate trick. Standing in the water, I felt a deep connection—like the sea could carry my tears away and take care of the universe in my stead. I surrendered my worries to the waves and let the sun bathe me in warmth. I whispered my troubles to the breeze, and it responded with joyful whispers of its own.
Atami, a coastal gem in Shizuoka Prefecture, is where nature’s beauty unfolds in a unique way. The town is nestled between the soaring mountains and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. This perfect confluence of mountain and sea creates a landscape that feels almost otherworldly. On one side, you have the rugged mountains, their green slopes cascading down to meet the sparkling blue waters. On the other, the sea stretches out endlessly, its waves gently kissing the shore. This meeting point of the mountains and the sea gives Atami its distinct charm—a place where you can experience the serenity of the ocean and the grandeur of the mountains all at once.
The sky was a canvas of mystery, and time seemed to fly by as my friends and I soaked in every moment. Before I knew it, it was evening, and we found ourselves at the top of Atami Castle. The rain began to pour just as we reached the summit, offering a breathtaking view of the city below. Words can’t do justice to the beauty of that moment. The night ended with a game of Uno and deep talks on the beach, under the soft, mystical glow of the moon. Its blue aura illuminated the night, adding a magical touch.
The next day, we set off for Hatsushima Island, a place so beautiful and full of adventure that I could easily see myself retiring there one day. The island left an impression that will stay with me for a long time, a perfect finale to our unplanned yet joy-filled getaway.
This summer vacation was everything I needed and more. It was unplanned, full of surprises, and ultimately a reminder that life doesn’t always have to be robotic. This trip washed away my stress and the bad moments that had been weighing me down, giving me a fresh start. As I embrace this new, adventurous version of myself, I’m already planning to visit more places. The robotic life I’ve been leading served its purpose, but now I’m ready to explore again. I have a feeling some good news is on the horizon, and when it arrives, I’ll have no regrets about the life I’ve lived so far. For now, I’m just focusing on living in the moment, hoping for the best, and embracing every adventure that comes my way.
And of course, a heartfelt thank you to my more-than-just-classmates Sujan, Preeti, and Andrei for making this trip unforgettable. Peace✌🏻
