Monday 16thApril
Iarrived by train to be greeted by Kentaro, who took my bag and guided
me to his home. My first impression of the village was of and peace. It is a
tiny village, nestled below the mountains, alongside a gently flowing river. I
was delighted to see sakura trees in bloom, and many ready to burst into bloom.
I was so very happy. This is my first experience wwooffing and I had no idea
what to expect> Kentaro soon made me feel at ease, with his thoughtful,
friendly nature> I He introduced me to his wife and young student Hozuki.
Makiko had cooked the most amazing lunch, with produce from their garden and
their own grown organic brown rice. I was surprised that she had cooked one of
my favourite foods to cook, Tortilla De Patata, with potatoes they grow themselves.
It was the best I have tasted.
Even though there
was a language barrier, I soon had a sense I was in the company of two very
special people, so very happy and at one with nature.
After lunch
Kentaro showed me where I was to sleep. Imagine my delight when I realized I
was to sleep in his studio, surrounded by his extraordinary sculptures. I felt
so very fortunate they had accepted me to work with them.
After lunch we set
to work. I was so happy to be out in nature, surrounded by mountains and the
sound of rushing water below, and I was very happy to do my best with each task
that Kentaro set for me.
Makiko cooked the most delicious feast which would be found in any 5 star
restaurant. Once again I felt honoured to be in the company of these warm welcoming people. Makiko is a first class chef, and Kentaro
a talented, wise, thoughtful artist, organic farmer and philosopher. Makiko
has the most delightful sense of humour, and truly cares about people.
Day 2
After a
magnificent breakfast, we set off for a full days work.
I enjoyed every aspect of the physical work, from pruning kiwifruit vines,
to chopping wood, to lugging wood to the fire and so many more physical chores. It was hard work, and I have never been happier.
Kentaro does not expect more of you than you can handle, and I appreciated the fact he does not micro manage and trusts you have
the ability to finish the chores he sets you,
He such a hard
working man with so much energy and never stops working.
At the end of the
day, we had a bath, in what must be the most beautiful onsen I have ever been
in. How wonderful it was to slide into that warm water, and gaze out over a
pond, framed by a sakura in full bloom.
Dinner was waiting for use, another feast for both the eyes a
nd the soul.
Day 3
It was raining,
but not cold. We trudged through mud and stacked up logs for the bath fire.
We also helped
prepare his home for the oncoming spring weather.
I was prepared for
another day of chopping wood, in the rain and whatever else Kentaro asked of
me, when he told us to get dressed as we were going sightseeing.
What an absolute
joy, the be on the road exploring the beautiful countryside and so many sakura
in bloom.
Kentaro and Makiko
are so incredibly generous as well, in so many ways. They are salt of the earth
people, and I will never forget this
experience.
Osaka arigato
gozaimus Kentaro and Makiko, for accepting me into your home, making me feel so
welcome, and allowing me to learn about your culture, and more importantly
about myself.
|