Calm-down list: taking it easy, music, onsen, photos, coffee, books, phone calls, cooking

Why is everyone in Niigata so young?! Ninety percent of them are in their twenties, which makes no sense statistically. I've got it! It must be because all the old men and women are in the onsen.

Last night, on my way back to the tent, I noticed the road was a bit busy. Everyone was walking in the exact opposite direction to me. After riding a little further, I found a market. I was really surprised. It was huge, a whole main street had been turned into a market, and it was incredibly lively. Today, when I was heading back by the same route, the market was still there. Tonight there were too many people. Maybe hundreds. I wanted to ride through, but people kept bumping into my bike. Even though everyone was enjoying themselves with friends and family, it felt like they were glaring at me. They stared with a look that said, "what are you doing here?" I thought how good it would be to have my friends with me right then, because we could have laughed it off together. But lovely as the market was, I wanted to get out of there straight away.

I went to Hakusan Park. I went at 6pm, so it was still light when I arrived, but the sun set while I was there. I got to see it lit up too, which was nice. I also phoned my parents and showed them the view over FaceTime. Hakusan Shrine was lovely as well.

The campsite is too far from central Niigata. Over 10 km! It feels strange, like commuting in order to do nothing. But my legs are used to it and I don't have much luggage, so it's fine.

Everyone might be wondering, "what does he actually do while he's in a city?" The answer is... biking and vibing 😂. It's been my hobby since I was a kid. Looking at the scenery while riding my bike. Turning down interesting-looking streets and taking photos. Oh right, I forgot something important. Always while listening to music. It must be the best feeling in the world. When I listen to chilled music, my body moves freely and I go forward without thinking. I forget everything, forget my problems, forget myself and even God. Today when I listened to a track called Figure Numatic, it felt so good I wondered if I was rising up to heaven. I love that track!