Meet the Family

As soon as I arrived at Shalom no Mori I was treated like family. The Komoriyas get WWOOFers a lot, and so I'm sure they are somewhat used to random people showing up and suddenly becoming friends. Indeed, after my second day staying there, the whole family and I (Reiko, the mom, was absent) went to "Sun Lake," a hotel/restaurant/store/etc., for a nice dinner. Afterward, much to my surprise, we all went to the hotel's onsen- a public bath. Needless to say, I have never been so very naked with a man and his family so soon after introductions! Or ever, for that matter. My first reaction was hesitation, but I very soon realized that this is just a regular thing over here in Japan. And that's just how it turned out- very regular, and extremely relaxing (There is a giant "hot tub" type thing, and a sauna). It also made me feel much more accepted by their family, and much more comfortable around them.

So let's meet the Komoriyas!

Shintaro, the dog

A more candid shot of Hiro-san

Ryouma, 7, mystical enchanter. Nice junk, Ryouma

Anri, 5, ninja queen

I unfortunately do not have very many photos of Karin or Reiko- Karin was always off reading somewhere and Reiko was busy most of the time- dutifully studying her Chinese, gardening up near the house, cleaning, helping with friends' farms etc. A hard working woman! There will be pictures of these two later on, but I do not have individual shots of them.

Karin and Ryouma both had their birthdays the first week I was with the Komoriyas. Karin turned nine, and Ryouma turned seven. I was uninformed about Karin's birthday, and so I unfortunately don't have any photos from that event. She got a unicycle! I was informed about Ryouma's birthday, and so I brought my camera along. There were smiles and delight all around.

Dammit that is one happy little boy

Hmm...I wonder what this....

It's a...! It's a...! (It was a new Japanese style outfit with Ryouma and a Dragon on it. Pretty sweet. Karin is wowing on the left)

After two short weeks of living with the Komoriyas I was very sorry to say goodbye, but I had to get going to Yamanashi to work on the grape farm. I was privileged to be able to stay with their family and experience life in Azuma. I wish them the best!

Alas, farewell. (Hiro-San, Reiko-san, Anri-chan, Karin [behind Hiro] and Ryouma [behind Reiko])