After my castle tour it was already time to leave Matsumoto - even before I'd started to explore its potential as a base for the Japanese Alps ("so sorry, so sorry!" apologised my castle guide when she found I lived in the "real" Alps). But this trip is a cultural, not hiking, adventure. So, this afternoon, my train plus bus journey brought me safely into the hands of Masan and his family at Kishomi (see link in August blog). I was highly relieved, there being no plan B!
It's looking like what I had thought was a "community" is in fact a kind of extended family. Masan and his wife Rie live in a traditional farmhouse of a style which Masan says is unusual even for the Japanese. The ethos, atmosphere and nature of the business remind me of the similar farm enterprise of the Pommart farm at Villeneuve d'Uriage (tragically burned just after I left fork the UK - if anyone reading this has any news please let me know). Machiko, long-term assistant at the family home of Masan and Rie, is packing and labelling home-baked cakes, ready for sale in the recently opened shop. Daichan (another woofer) and The children, Kanta's (5), Yuta (9) and Fuku (3), are glued to a DVD - a one-off treat because it is Kanta's birthday tomorrow. Masan is doing something on the computer and Rie is organising laundry. I have a glass of Chilean red wine in my hand, having sampled Masan's home brew at supper. (Beer is amongst the products they sell. I am "off duty", this being my first day, with instructions to relax. It's not easy - I am in sensory over-load!
So far... my first experience of washing, Japanese style. Water is heated to blistering point by a wood-burning stove. You immerse yourself into the tub after washing with a shower (cold) mixed with a bit of water from the tub. Although Masan (excellent English, widely travelled) has made clear that I am considered as "staff" rather than family, on this occasion I was given first bathe = honoured guest. The rest of the household then followed. I found this mildly awkward so made sure I was pristinely clean before getting into the tub. As for relaxing there... Hmm ... It was roastingl
Supper.. Exquisite and the best Japanese food I've ever had. Delicious brown rice and veggie dishes made with a whole array of veg, tofu and seaweed. Small portions eaten on tiny plates. Little Fuko already adept with her chopsticks, a recently acquired skill. I was helped out by a fork. Kind people. They think I'm too beautiful to be aged 54! Masan's searingly hot home-made chilli sauce brought tears to the eyes and - oh no - dribbles to the nose, and I found myself in the dreaded socially compromising situation. So I simply asked, where should I go to blow my nose. And the adjoining room was considered appropriate
Must stop now as I have an early start tomorrow.
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