The Benefits of Walking

 

Neighborhood Bakery

[ Almond cocoa, pumpkin, and rock cookies for sale ]

Tom and I were out on a walk around the neighborhood last night (we mapped out a 3-mile walk that can be done from the front door). We came across a sign that translated to, well, "bakery" so we decided to investigate. We walked up a gravel driveway towards a private home, a little nervous about trespassing, but encouraged by the idea that there might be some fresh bread for sale. We had some confidence about finding a bread shop because five minutes earlier we discovered a tiny cheese shop on the other side of the road selling camembert made on the premises. We tried their camembert ice cream and well, ugh. It was a little strong. 

[ "Bakery" ]

[ The road leading up to the house ]

Yes! The shop was there. Right around the corner from the road was a bed of flowers leading to the bakery door. Inside a variety of delights. 

[ Ah! Open! ]

We went inside to the tiniest shop with an abundance of selections of breads, tarts, and baked goods. Everything was beautifully wrapped and displayed and there was a small log table and benches to sit and enjoy an afternoon snack. We looked carefully over the selections and chose a  country french bread (pain de campagne) made with rye flower and sourdough, and a cherry tart made with local fruit and milk from a local dairy. 

[ Which tart should we choose? ]

[ A spot to rest from all the walking ]

[ This walk was worth every yen ]

I am really enjoying discovering the cottage industries at work in the neighborhood. We also walked by a barber shop set up in a shipping container and we have been told about a house down the street where a chef makes dinner for one table of guests each night in his downstairs kitchen. 

[ The Barber Shop ]

I am planning to walk this loop once a day so we will see how well I benefit from the exercise. I think I will carry a shopping bag next time.