One Night Homestay?!
After the first group of guests left, another family came the next day and had a super short 1-night 2-day homestay!
As
always, we were very curious about what would happen this time. π
The conclusion of the matter is, despite the super
short stay, it turned out to be incredibly fulfilling! π
This time, the guest family turned out to have a mutual acquaintance in Sasayama, so we were able to connect them with that person. They knew about the Oyama Watermelon Festival on August 3rd and wanted to attend. So their stay lasted a full 2 days, from meeting up at 8am on the first day to the evening of the following day.
First, we met up at the festival site in
the morning, and while browsing the watermelons we wanted to buy, we
communicated via LINE like a blind date, asking "Where are you now?"
and "I'm at xxx now" - "Ah, I found you!" It was a fun encounter.
(By the way, are you familiar with the Oyama watermelons? They are amazingly sweet and delicious, but hard to find outside of Sasayama. At the annual
festival, 200 watermelons are sold out in about an hour! We are so lucky to
have found a house in this local area! πππ)
After greeting the calm-looking father and energetic children, we all purchased our watermelons and headed back home. We gave them a tour of the house, served homemade Shiso (perilla) juice, and introduced them to the chickens.
After a short break, we then went sightseeing in the castle town area. Their daughter was interested in history, so we visited the Oshoin and Taisho Roman-kan to cool off. π We walked along Nikaimachi street for a little bit before it was time to move on (but not before trying the chestnut soft-served ice cream!).
We then drove to Kawaramachi area for
lunch - soba noodles! The son was only 4 years old, so we couldn't
walk too far in the heat, so we had a nice meal at Hanagoshi.
It was my first time there too, and the cold soba was delicious...π We also got mackerel sushi
and side dishes.
After the delicious lunch, we visited the office of our mutual acquaintance, who is deeply involved in renovating Kominka (traditional Japanese houses). Although he was working, he kindly gave us a tour, and the guests were able to reunite with their old friend. My "mission" was accomplished! π
In the heat exceeding 37Β°C, I thought we already explored the area enough, so we went back home and bought groceries on the way. We purchased the main items at the familiar supermarket, and at the guest's request, we went to the Midori-kan to get bread for the next morning and Sasayama beef for dinner. (We first went to the "Chiisana Pan Batake"(small bread field) bakery, but when we got there, there was a long queue in this heat! We quickly changed our plan and went to Midori-kan instead!)
After returning home, we all took a nice break.
In the afternoon, we brought out some toys for the children, and also played card games.
After a late dinner, they had a shower, and got ready for bed. The son managed to maintain his high
spirits until the end of the day.
(Wow, we had such a long first day!)
The next day was the dinosaur day for the children!π¦π¦
From
the morning, we guided them to Tamba Dinosaur Valley Park and Namikimichi Central Park. The guests spent time at Namikimichi Central Park as a
family.
They went to the moving dinosaur by rental bicycle, but it was just too hot, so they left the park early and went to the Chiitan's Hall.
After having lunch, they came back in the afternoon, and since it was the mother's bucket list, we made Shiso (perilla) juice together. After that, they played in the creek and caught crayfishπ¦ at Kozoji Temple, took a shower, and continued with activities like card games until the very end!
The 4-year-old boy finally ran out of battery and fell asleep on the chair, and slept through while he was carried to the car till they arrived home.π
Usually, our homestay style is to get to know each other well by spending some days together, but this time it was completely different. I was a little concerned that it might just turn into a simple accommodation without much connection with the guests.
We hope they were able to spend a fun filled and enjoyable time. Since they live relatively close by, we hope they will come again and stay longer!
Well, another group of guests will be coming again for 4 nights and 5 days tomorrow!
We are looking forward to new encounters every time!π₯°