Memories at the Hot Springs—Talking with a Stranger

 

I have had a long conversation with a complete stranger.

One day, I was at a hot spring. An elderly woman dropped her towel in the bath. I picked it up and squeezed the water out for her. That small action started our conversation.

She told me that she was traveling from Tokyo. She was born and raised there, but she loved the nature in Nagano. She said she comes to Nagano every year because the air is clean and the scenery is beautiful. I thought Tokyo was a great place where you can do anything, but she said Tokyo is a very tiring city.

We talked about how hard life in Tokyo can be and how relaxing Nagano is. 

The conversation continued while we stayed in the bath.

I usually go to hot springs alone because I like to relax quietly. However, talking with her while warming my body felt nice too. I think it is not good to talk to strangers for no reason, but I also think it is important not to ignore conversations that start naturally.