“Curry Noodles Are the Best Travel Companion”
What They Say:
Nadeshiko, a high school student who had moved from Shizuoka to Yamanashi, decides to see the famous, 1000 yen-bill-featured Mount Fuji. Even though she manages to bike all the way to Motosu, she’s forced to turn back because of worsening weather. Unable to set her eyes on her goal, she faints partway to her destination. When she wakes up, it’s night, in a place she’s never been before, with no way of knowing how to get home. Nadeshiko is saved when she encounters Rin, a girl who is out camping by herself. This outdoorsy girls story begins with this first encounter between Nadeshiko and Rin
The Review:
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers)
Have you ever wondered how Rin’s first time camping went? Well, you’re in luck! A young Rin decides to embark on her first camping trip after receiving some camping gear from her grandpa. Her dad drives her to a campsite in Lake Motosu that has a great view of Mount Fuji. I swear Mount Fuji looks more beautiful every time I see it in this show. Also, this reminds me of the first episode of the first season. Rin really likes this campsite, huh? I can’t blame her. The view is gorgeous. Anyway, her dad offers to help build the tent but she declines. She wants to do everything herself. I respect that. Her dad goes off to the lodge and lets his daughter enjoy the day camping by herself.
Rin manages to build the tent herself without much trouble. Well, the instructions did get blown away by the wind and she accidentally bent one of the spikes. Nothing too bad though! It’s a bit chilly so she decides to get gather some sticks to start a fire with. However, Rin is unable to start a fire. What’s up with that? Is the wind too strong? She asks a random guy passing by for advice. He tells her that the branches are too thick and cuts them thinner for her. He also suggests making a fire pit, which he also does for her, so that the fire will burn more consistently. And lastly, he recommends using pine cones as fire starters and then placing the branches over them. Voila! Rin now has a fire going. Thanks, random guy! Actually, it turns out that guy wasn’t so random. He’s seen talking with Rin’s dad a bit later. A friend of his perhaps?
Okay, building the tent and making a fire didn’t go as smoothly as Rin had hoped. But there’s no way she can mess up making curry rice, right? I think you know the answer to that. It goes horribly wrong. She just can’t seem to win today! I guess she won’t be eating dinner tonight. Rin’s mom calls her and tells her that she put emergency food in her backpack just in case. I guess she won’t go hungry after all! Rin is able to enjoy some delicious curry noodles. Yummy! The sun is setting and Rin reflects upon her first time camping. She thought she did enough research but actually doing it is completely different. She’ll be prepared next time!
Back in the present day, Nadeshiko is delivering letters. After her deliveries are done, she and Ena have lunch together. They discuss what they plan to buy once they get paid. Nadeshiko plans on buying a gas lantern. Ena might buy some camping gear, too. After lunch, Nadeshiko and the gang start messaging each other in a group chat on their phones. They’re all working hard at their jobs! Chiaki is working especially hard. Liquor sells like crazy during the start of a new year and she’s super busy. It’s a shame they won’t be getting any breaks during this busy time. Actually, everyone but Chiaki is getting days off. The girls start talking about how they plan to enjoy their breaks much to Chiaki’s dismay. Poor Chiaki. On the bright side, the girls promise to bring her back some souvenirs. But for now, it’s back to work!
Rin spends the whole day trying to figure out where to camp during her break. At home, her dad suggests she camp somewhere around Omaezaki. She decides on a campsite in Iwata. There’s even a dog shrine there! Perfect. Rin takes off on her bike in the early morning. The ending song starts playing while she’s driving which I thought was a nice transition. We’re treated to beautiful scenery for the next minute and a half. Rin bumps into Nadeshiko outside of a convenience store. She gives her a cup of curry noodles and wishes her well on her travels. Rin wishes Nadeshiko good luck at her job before driving off.
In Summary:
I never knew how much I needed this show back in my life. It’s just so gosh darn relaxing and always puts me in a good mood. Honestly, we could all use a super chill show like this during these crazy times. At the very least, it’ll cure your depression. That being said, this episode definitely put a smile on my face. I loved how the first half focused on Rin’s first time camping. She thought she had everything figured out but she was in for a rude awakening. Things rarely go as planned on your first try. But that’s okay. Live and learn! I also liked how the first episode of this second season took place in the same place where the first episode of the first season did. The view of Mount Fuji from Lake Motosu is incredible, isn’t it? The show’s visuals are impressive as ever. The background music really set the mood well, too. Basically, there’s no way you won’t be feeling cozy after watching this episode. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a strange craving for curry noodles.
Grade: B+
Streamed By: Crunchyroll, VRV