Nita Pass Loop Road (Unzen) I came for the autumn leaves, then felt proud of how neatly I’d peeled an egg

I adjusted my grip on the steering wheel as I drove towards Nita Pass in Unzen. With mountain trees lining the road, I looked forward to every bend ahead. I kept my eyes on the road, already looking forward to getting out and taking my time with the autumn leaves.

I stopped for a break and looked at the mountain: trees covered the whole slope in layer after layer. I looked at the leaves nearby, then let my eyes wander to the distant hills. I loved being able to linger over whatever caught my eye for as long as I wanted, instead of watching it all slip past from the car.

I got a hot-spring egg in Unzen to go with the view. As I peeled it, the shell came away much more cleanly than I expected, and I stopped to admire it. Why is something this small so satisfying? I was already smiling before I’d even eaten it.

I held up the peeled shell and was about to say, “Look!” I wasn’t actually speaking to anyone, but when something turns out this well, I still want someone to see it. I caught myself and laughed. I’d come to see the autumn leaves, and here I was admiring an eggshell.

I put the shell aside and finally ate the egg. After a bite, I looked back at the mountain and felt my little burst of pride settle into a quiet calm. I love being able to enjoy the scenery and something to eat in the same moment.

After I’d finished, I stayed a little longer to admire the autumn leaves. I want to remember the mountain scenery from today, but I think I’ll also remember my face as I held up that eggshell. When I tell someone about this trip back home, I’ll probably laugh all over again.