Symphony of Habit Epi.2: Listen to goats

Chasing the future can be tiring, so take a break in the moment.

Day 2 in Yoron Island

10 AM. Despite being on a trip, here I was, conducting an online coaching session. Strangely enough, whenever I travel, I receive more inquiries and feedback from clients than usual. It reassures me that my work is going well.

The second day of my trip began under a cloudy sky. Soon, a light drizzle started to fall. My destination for today was Umi Café, a place recommended by one of my clients. Yoron Island doesn’t have many tourist attractions, so simply having a clear destination gave me a sense of ease.

In the movie Megane, there’s a scene where the inn staff, Yuji, and the protagonist, Taeko, have the following conversation:

Yuji says, “There aren’t really any sightseeing spots here.”
Taeko asks, “Then what do people who visit this island do?”
Yuji thinks for a moment and replies, “Hmm… they just bask in the moment?”

I, too, had come to Yoron Island to acquire the state of “basking in the moment.” My only plan was to go to a café and simply bask. That was how I intended to spend my time.

For those without a car, the only way to get around the island is by bicycle. Wearing a hooded rash guard, I set off on a mamachari (a typical Japanese city bicycle).

Since Yoron Island doesn’t have many road signs, I relied on my smartphone’s map to navigate toward the port. It had been a while since I last rode a bicycle, and the familiar sensation was both nostalgic and refreshing. At one point, I took a wrong turn and unexpectedly came across a pharmacy. Since I was already there, I decided to buy Muhi, an anti-itch ointment for insect bites. At the time, I had no idea just how useful it would later become.

Despite occasional bursts of heavier drizzle, I reached Umi Café after about 20 minutes. The white, Greek-style building stood out beautifully against the cloudy sky. Bright bougainvillea flowers added a tropical touch to the scenery.

The moment I stepped inside, I was enveloped in a dreamlike comfort, and I immediately thought, I’m so glad I came!

A large wooden dining table sat in the center of the café, surrounded by rustic wooden cross-back chairs. A classic ceiling fan spun slowly above, adding to the tropical atmosphere. The mint-green accent wall was adorned with various trinkets and photographs, creating a warm and inviting space. Natural light poured in through the large windows, illuminating the room and making it feel open and airy — perfect for basking in the moment.

To my surprise, I had the entire café to myself. Seeing this as the perfect opportunity, I decided to take photos for my blog.

But first, I placed my order. The menu had a note that read, “Since everything is made by one person, please allow some time.” Even the pace of life here follows island time, I thought. I ordered a chicken pita sandwich and used the wait time for my photography session.

I set up my portable tripod near the center of the café. Positioning myself by the window, I repeatedly stood up, pressed the auto-timer shutter, and returned to my seat to strike a “basking in the moment” pose.

Given that it’s 2025, I could have simply used a Bluetooth remote shutter, making my repeated movements seem quite amusing in hindsight.

Once I captured the perfect shot, I finally settled down.

The chicken sandwich arrived, wrapped in a soft, white pita. The herb-marinated chicken was tender and grilled to a glossy, golden brown — its aroma alone was enough to whet my appetite. The presentation highlighted the freshness of the ingredients, making the dish visually appealing as well.

As I enjoyed my sandwich in this Greek-inspired setting, my thoughts inevitably drifted to work.

A little later, a father and his son, who appeared to be in his twenties, entered the café and took a seat on the terrace. Since I was the only one inside, their conversation naturally reached my ears. The son passionately shared his dream of opening his own café.

Listening to his enthusiasm, I couldn’t help but feel that witnessing people talk about their dreams was such a “life coach” moment for me.

For dessert, I ordered a strawberry waffle and a Greek-style iced coffee. The café’s resident cat watched over me as I ate, lazily stretching in the corner. Since the rain hadn’t let up, I decided to take my time and stay a little longer.

Suddenly, I recalled the conversation between the father and son. Why did their words linger in my mind? As I pondered this, it hit me.

“Wait… my dream has already come true.”

I had always dreamed of traveling freely, going wherever I wanted, whenever I wanted. And here I was, already living that reality.

Without realizing it, I had achieved what I once longed for.

If that dream had come true, then surely, my future dreams would also materialize.

Before I knew it, I had spent three hours at Umi Café. Staying in one place for so long — with nothing specific to do — was quite an achievement for someone as impatient as me.

As I applied Muhi to my mosquito bites, I planned my next destination: the famous beach from Megane. Before setting off, I made sure to take photos of myself and my bicycle in front of the café.

As I pedaled, I noticed a sign for Shinahama Beach and decided to make a quick stop. Holding my umbrella, I gazed at the rain-blurred sea, feeling a slight sense of unease. Even so, I chose to continue north.

The rain remained a steady drizzle. With one hand gripping my umbrella, I kept pedaling. I suddenly laughed at myself — why was I pushing so hard, even on vacation?

Along the way, I passed by a cow pasture and then noticed something unusual — a black goat inside a repurposed drum barrel. The barrel had a portion cut out, forming a small entrance, making it look like a tiny house. The goat peeked out through the opening, gazing at me intently.

In front of the barrel, reddish-brown bricks were neatly laid out, forming a small space. An aluminum pot was placed there, seemingly used as a feeding dish. Lush green trees stood behind it, making the little goat’s home look like a secret cabin nestled within a forest.

For a brief moment, my eyes met the black goat’s.

“Where exactly are you going? Maybe it’s time to turn back.”

That’s what it seemed to be saying.

Standing there in the rain, I wondered: What am I even doing?

That was my cue to return to the resort hotel.

In the evening, I joined my teacher, Ms. N, and six high school teachers at an izakaya. In Yoron Island, it seems common for different groups to interact while drinking, and soon, various tables started chatting with us. The entire place became lively, filled with the warm atmosphere of island life.

The highlight of the night was a live performance by the Kariyushi Band, immersing us in the island’s music and hospitality.

Back at my cottage, I felt a sharp soreness in my thighs. It seemed I had cycled a bit too much.

This was a day where past and present, dreams and reality, all seemed to intertwine.

That was Day 2 in Yoron Island.