🌤️ Afternoon Shopping and a Short Drive Log

A Little Drive

This afternoon, I went shopping with my mother.

We decided to venture out to the Yonabaru Farmers Market today. Leaving our home in Urasoe and heading onto the national highway, there was more traffic than expected, so we debated which route to take. In the end, we chose the route passing by the side of the Urasoe Police Station, going under the Urasoe General Hospital, and heading towards Ishihara. From there, we descended towards Sakata, passed by the Nishihara Farmers’ Market, went south past the Nishihara Town Office, and emerged onto National Route 329. Up to this point, there was no traffic congestion, and we progressed smoothly, only stopping at a few traffic lights.

Along the way, we saw “Hama Sushi Nishihara Branch” and noticed it was so crowded that children were playing outside while waiting. Judging that the wait would be quite long, we decided to skip it and finish our shopping first.

🥬 The Bustle of Yonabaru Farmers Market

When we arrived at the farmers market, the parking lot was relatively empty, but inside, it was surprisingly crowded and lively. My mother walked while holding onto the cart, which was reassuring as it helped prevent falls.

Many farmers wore red happi coats that day, indicating it was a direct sales event. Producers explained their produce while selling it, creating more energy than usual. While walking around, a tomato farmer approached us and offered samples.

The first tomato had a strong initial tartness, followed by a slow, deep umami flavor.

The second had no tartness at all, delivering a solid sweetness right from the start.

My mother liked them and bought a bag.

Summer vegetables were starting to appear in the store, suggesting summer might be arriving early this year. With winter vegetables nearing the end of their season, I felt the changing seasons. In the end, I also bought bell peppers and new onions, fully embracing the summer shopping mood.

🛒 Moving to San-A Itarashiki Store

After finishing shopping, we headed to Sanei Itarashiki Store.

Here, you’ll find a coin laundry, an au shop, Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Wafutei, a dry cleaner, and other convenient stores for daily life.

The parking lot wasn’t crowded, and we bought detergent and other items inside.

We went to the front of the restaurant to eat, but there was a crowd forming, and it looked like a long wait, so we gave up on eating there.

🍜 Dinner at “Ebisuya” in Higashihama Town

Then I remembered there was a diner in Higashihama Town, so we headed there.

The parking lot was fairly crowded, but luckily a spot opened up just in time and we parked.

The diner’s name is “Ebisuya”.

It’s the type of place where you buy meal tickets from a vending machine.

– Mom: Fuchibajushi

– Me and my brother: Okinawa Soba Set Meal

We all finished everything, helping Mom with a bit of hers.

It had been a while since we’d been to Ebisuya, but the taste was just as comforting as ever.

🌸 The Way Home and Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom

On the way back, we headed north along the coastline, turning from Nishihara Sanei toward Sakata.

To avoid potential traffic from the Yakult Swallows vs. Hanshin Tigers exhibition game on the route back to Urasoe, we bypassed Anpacha and took the route through Tōyama.

Passing by the park, the cherry blossoms were in full bloom, and children were running around beneath them.

It was a heartwarming sight, making me feel spring had truly arrived.

I continued straight through Makiminato and returned home.

It was a pleasant afternoon, like a little mini-drive.

My mother seemed tired. She lay down on the bed watching TV and drifted off for a nap.