Oh man, I definitely had waaaay too much candy last night ! I can't possibly eat anything else! I'm going to be meeting up with Derwin later today for some coffee! But otherwise, I think it's going to be a chill day. I heard Billy wasn't feeling so good and... someone's moving into Takoyaki! I wonder who our new resident will be! I might pop up to say hi or I might just bump into them, who knows!
Today was a slow day! After school, Derwin and I met by The Roost to have some coffee. We’re supposed to be working on our final assignments before summer vacation…but I just can’t focus! Summer is just around the corner
I finally met the new resident of Takoyaki! It’s Mr. Beardo. He’s Mr. Shoji’s neighbor — I’m sure they’ll get along just fine since they both seem rather to themselves. He wasn’t rude, but he seemed to not care at all when I introduced myself. He kept to himself and his afternoon reading. Oh, well.
It's finally the summer in Takoyaki. The holidays (and no school!), summer festivals and the beach! I really can't wait to show you more about the island! I truly believe that Takoyaki is at its best during this season. Plus, we get lots of tourists, too!
One of the best things you can do during the summer is to get a really cold ice cream! I really like this berry and lemon ice cream I had by Old Man Shoji's place (he rarely comes out of his house, even during the summer...).
In some more unrelated but more sad news... Billy has passed away. You may recall that a few months ago I mentioned that Billy wasn't feeling very well. Unfortunately, given his age and health, he wasn't doing very well and passed during his sleep. I come often to see his grave at the island's cemetery. I decided to come today and bring some flowers along. I miss you, Billy!
Today is Takoyaki's summer festival. The island has many local festivities, but this one marks the beginning of summer. Locals from all over Takoyaki come out to celebrate. Some will set up shops and sell food and charms for everyone to enjoy. And of course, there's fireworks during the night! My favorite thing is seeing all the lovely decorations, like the lights all over the trees!
Even during the evening it was super hot! I had to use my uchiwa fan to keep myself fresh! The little stands that popped up around the island were so good! I was there with Renée and Kiki, and we ate way too much! I had dumplings while Renée and Kiki decided to try the udon noodles! We also bumped into Whitney and Greta! They looked so good in their kimonos! I know Derwin and Paolo were also planning on hanging out -- hope we'll see them soon!
Summer festival is all about loosening up and having fun! I'm super anxious about the fireworks, so Renée gave me these sparklers to play with in the meantime!
The fireworks were absolutely magical! Some of us went all the way up to the temple of the island to watch them! All the types of colors and shapes... wow!
I'm not gonna lie, I'm exhausted! We've been going at it all day! I really can't wait to go to bed now, ha! It was really a lovely day and I'm so glad that we get to celebrate these kinds of festivities in our island.
In other VERY important news... Bunnie is back! Yes, she decided to move back to Takoyaki. She really missed everyone here (especially Renée!). It's so great to have her back! I really can't wait for all of us to hang out and play video games!
I totally forgot to show you Takoyaki's hotel! It's ran by Kappn's wife, Leilani, and their family! With the summer, they've been really busy arranging everything for the big flux of tourists arriving in the island! Nobody wants to miss the great things to see around Takoyaki!
The hotel indoors are lovely! You'll find Leilani minding the front desk; Leila (so cute) hanging out and drawing in the lobby; and there's even a Hotel souvenir shop, ran by Grams! I was chatting with Leilani when a guest arrived! I can't wait for them to explore the island.
The hotel is great and there are rooms that can accommodate all kinds of guests (and all kinds of budget...). There's even a room for backpackers who prefer traveling light (and staying on a budget...). I get it but being in the room and smelling it made me want to weep! I can't wait to show you the other rooms (even the more luxurious ones for the vip's!).
It's really cool seeing some of our tourists strolling around already! Looks like Jeremiah's been to the Museum, learning about the history of the island!
Since Bunnie's arrival, Renée, Kiki, Wendy, Bunnie and I, decided to take make the most out of the summer and take a trip to the woods to camp! It's lovely this time of year, so you can set up a tent or your sleeping backs on the grass, and it's not even cold!
Later that night we gathered around the fire to tell stories (scary ones, too!).
The next morning, we set out for Takoyaki's biggest lake! Bunnie and I got busy setting everything up, while Kiki, Renée and Wendy were busy jumping into the lake and swimming!
I even fished a little bit while I was at it! It's so calming and there's no noise or anything to bother you. Everyone else was taking a nap over at the table -- so I just sat by the pier to reflect on life!
On our way back to town, we found this lovely little Mom&Pop restaurant! We were starving by then! I'm a sucker for omurice but the other ones had some really nice udon noodles and ramen ! I can't wait to tell the other ones about this really nice trip!
Today I bumped into another tourist! I think his name was César? He was super nice and asked me for some directions to any good restaurants or cafés around town! He also said he'd be visiting the Tailor shop for some clothes!
I went by the hotel today to say hi to Leilani and her family, and she asked me to help her carry some things down to the spa! This is really one of the loveliest facilities in the hotel! It's ran by Luna and it's incredibly relaxing.
I totally forgot to mention that for the summer I took a part-time job at the convini! It's been really fun! I'm in charge or re-arranging the shelves and stocking them up once items are sold! We're getting ready for a big sale coming up next week, so that means I will have to keep busy!
On my way to Derwin's home, I heard a loud noise in old man Shoji's place. I don't think anyone's seen him - or his wife - for a while. He keeps to himself and that's it. They own a tea shop around town, but it's been closed, as well. It's quite a shame! The tea is lovely and Mr. Shoji's wife is super nice. Something about him is off, though..
Now that there are plenty of tourists coming around Takoyaki, the Town Hall has set up these really nice informative carts! I'm volunteering as a guide to help our guests and share any information that I can deem relevant. Remember that if you're interested in flying to Takoyaki, you can look up the information on the first page. I can provide you with a map and tips to get around the island!
Today we had a lovely beach day with some of my friends! I actually ran into some of my school classmates - Makoto and Kazuko. They're actually still hosting some extra curricular activities in school. Makoto and Kazuko are both part of the paranormal club -- Makoto is actually the president and she's great! I've considered joining but I'm a bit scared. Speaking of...Kazuko mentioned she think she's being followed but everytime she looks around, no one is there... Creepy!
The beach was lovely there were plenty of people I knew on the beach! Of course, I was there with Bunnie and Renée - and we spent lots of time working on a really nice sand castle! We bumped into Greta, as well! She was soaking up the sun haha Whitney came with her, but she was enjoying the warm water! Paolo was there, too! And there were plenty of tourists, too! Some of them enjoying the fish that Kapp'n gets from his travels.
! I can't possibly eat anything else! I'm going to be meeting up with Derwin later today for some coffee! But otherwise, I think it's going to be a chill day. I heard Billy wasn't feeling so good and... someone's moving into Takoyaki! I wonder who our new resident will be! I might pop up to say hi or I might just bump into them, who knows!
We also bumped into Whitney and Greta! They looked so good in their kimonos! I know Derwin and Paolo were also planning on hanging out -- hope we'll see them soon!
It's lovely this time of year, so you can set up a tent or your sleeping backs on the grass, and it's not even cold! 
there were plenty of people I knew on the beach! Of course, I was there with Bunnie and Renée - and we spent lots of time working on a really nice sand castle! We bumped into Greta, as well! She was soaking up the sun haha Whitney came with her, but she was enjoying the warm water! Paolo was there, too! And there were plenty of tourists, too! Some of them enjoying the fish that Kapp'n gets from his travels.
