Since leaving Taiyo Bokujo I have been living and working in Niseko, Hokkaido. I decided the other day that it was time to come back and visit Katsuson and also to see the famous sea ice flow in Monbetsu.
I contacted Katsuson and he said of course I could come and stay and that it was actually his scheduled holiday on the two days I planned to come. What perfect timing!
Im not so sure that Katsuson fully understands the meaning of “holiday” as since i have been here i have seen him get dressed into his overalls and check on the farm at least three times!!
Its been a very quick but nonetheless great visit. Last night we went into Monbetsu and checked out the ice festival. It was FREEZING cold but the ice sculptures were awesome. There were even a couple of ice slides that we went down.
Today we travelled back into Monbetsu to try and ride the Garinko boat out onto the famous sea ice however there is no sea ice today and the boat was cancelled due to big waves ;(
Instead we went to the observation tower and got our hands eaten by tiny litte fish and then went and got kisses from the seals across the road. Then we went and had a delicious fish lunch at Marutomi restaurant.
Katsuson is as genki and kind as ever. The girls (cows) are all looking well and there are so many babies at the moment!!
I just have to add that I love Katsu sons toilet! Its a long drop with a heated seat! Trust me, you really appreciate that heated seat at this time of year.
There is a famous Maori proverb in New Zealand.
“He aha te mea nui o te ao, he tangata, he tangata, he tangata.”
“Ask me what is the greatest thing in this world, I will reply: It is people, it is people, it is people.”
No where is this more true than at Taiyo Bokujo.
ありがとう ございました。
Virginia
New Zealand
13th and 14th Feb 2011