A Duo of First-Year Working Adults!
The guests this time were a duo of first-year working adults. One was from Kansai and the other from Kanto. Their energy was completely different from that of the children!
Although it was a short stay of three days, they made the most of their time and had a rich experience.
Day 1: We met at the ticket gate of Sasayamaguchi Station and headed to the only family restaurant in Sasayama, Para Para, with the two hungry guests. We shared a large salad and each ordered what we liked. On the way back, we ordered takeout pizza to pick up later and went to a grocery store to buy ingredients for their stay. Finally, we arrived home around 3 PM. After giving them a brief tour of the house, we had tea time where we introduced ourselves and chatted, enjoying a relaxed moment.
After that, the two rode bikes around the village. They stopped by Kozoji to ring the bell and made a clover crown along the path, which they brought back with them. They also harvested some butterbur growing in front of the house, which we prepared with a sweet and savory soy sauce flavor.
In the evening, we had our first BBQ of the year. We grilled sausages and wild boar, made a salad, and warmed up the takeout pizza for a little home party. Of course, we also roasted marshmallows!
We even tried a unique dish: meat-wrapped Baumkuchen. Until it was cooked, I couldn't imagine what it would taste like, but it turned out quite good! If I had to describe it, I'd say it was like a reverse version of a corn dog.
At night, they made a Beer Bread with John! 😋
Day 2: Guided by John, they started the day with a hike up Kinzan. They brought the beer bread they made last night and rice balls to enjoy at the top.
When they returned in the early afternoon, we received a message from a nearby farmer inviting us to come and observe the rice planting. The guests and my son got to ride on the rice planting machine and 'helped' with the planting. They found it quite challenging to go straight, but it was a fun and valuable experience.
After climbing the mountain and helping with the rice planting, I thought they might take a break, but they said, "We're going out for a bike ride!" A little while later, I received a message on LINE: "We're at Kawashiro Park."
Wait, did they bike all the way there? They're so energetic! 😆🚴♀️🚴♀️
I replied, "If you made it that far, there's a nearby park called Tamba Dinosaur Park."
They actually went there and returned safely (covering about 9 km, including uphill!). They are really full of energy! 💪
Day 3 (Final Day): Unfortunately, the weather forecast predicted rain, and the forecast was right. It rained!
The guests expressed a desire to make their favorite beer bread as a souvenir, so we made it again in the morning. This time, we added spices like nutmeg, filling the house with a sweet aroma that made everyone feel happy. 🥰
They packed their bags while waiting for the bread to bake, then we headed to the Kuromame-no-Yakata for a buffet style lunch. Recently, John and I have been there quite often, almost once a week! 😆
After a hearty lunch, we went on a little sightseeing tour around the castle town. Since the guests had to catch a train, we couldn't stay long, but we shopped around Kawaramachi and visited Makekirai Inari Shrine. We also had a quick view of the Oshoin and Okachimachi Street from the car as we headed to the station to say goodbye.
The guests from Kanto traveled a long distance by train and managed a packed schedule over the three days before heading back home. The guests from Kansai also had a fair distance to travel, not being in downtown Osaka.
We hope they enjoyed their time and felt recharged!
The farmer we helped with the rice planting said, "Next time, you have to ride the combine during the harvest at the end of summer!" If it works out, I hope they can join us then.
They were such energetic and lively people! 🥰