Day 19 Kii-Tanabe breakfast

Had the most wonderful breakfast experience!

Yes, today was the first day of the new era (the Crown Prince is now the new Emperor), but it was breakfast that marked the new era for me.

Breakfast was included as part of my accommodation...it required a 15 minute walk. I was given a voucher to use at one of two local cafes/restaurants. Last night, I wandered in the direction of one such cafe, to find dinner (at a convenience store) and make sure of the location for breakfast. A nice (in the rain) walk along the canal towards the Pacific Ocean. 

So this morning I walked in a light mist, to the cafe. It has a small 4 seater counter top area & about 6 two seater tables (plus one by the window).

I handed the envelope with what supposed to contain the voucher...but only seemed to hold the map of the cafes. No problem I said...I would be happy to pay. I should rewind a little. 

I was the only non japanese speaker. And, other than the lady in charge...the only female. I ordered breakfast (set B: Egg, salad, ham, toast, tea). While it was being made, I read my book & watched the TV. It appeared to be how people were celebrating the end of one era & the beginning of a new one. 

She asked where I was from (Watashi wa canadajin desu...I know, I know...I’ve shown this before)

Breakfast served...how to eat a fried egg with chopsticks? Drag it onto the toast & eat it as an open face sandwich.

Once I was done eating, the owner came over with a book on the Kumano Kodo trail. And asked how long I was staying in Tanabe and where I going next. 

Brain cramp! So I looked through the book & found some of the places I was going...& how I was getting there. Today...Busu (bus). Tomorrow...walking (showed walking fingers). The next day...hmmm...boat. She tried to help...Busu? Train? I tried the sign language for boat (hands together as though cupping water & then make the “boat” bounce slightly while moving away from you). Nope. Thankfully, a fellow along the bench from me said, “boatu”. I should have known! A fair number of english words are borrowed into japanese, just by adding “u” at the end: Hotelu, busu, bieru...

Anyhow...the conversation became a group activity. Which was more entertaining than the TV, since the fellow sitting at the counter wanted to watch, what I can only assume was a soap opera.

Breakfast done, I asked how much (ikura desu ka?)...550 yen. I paid & off I went for the walk back to the machiya.

I had already started writing this, when...

About half an hour later, I heard someone outside & then knocking on the door. There was the owner of the cafe! She found the voucher inside the envelope, tracked me down (with the help of a neighbour), to return the 550 yen. 

It’s the little things that make the biggest impact...