Experience at farmer

On February 14&21, we had activities, working at a farmer, nursing home or preschool to meet Komagane local people and get some different work experience from usual.

Me, I went to a flower farmer's house with 2 other JOCV and 1 senior volunteer.

◆1st day◆

In the morning, we cleaned up wastes (old materials of green house mainly).

At 9, we started working and at 10, already we got a break with lots of sweet in a warm room.

At noon, it's lunch time. Although we brought our lunch box, the family prepared a great meal for us. I hesitated their too warm welcome but I couldn't defeat my appetite...

From 1 to 3:45 pm, we worked in a green house of Alstroemeria, picking off dead plants.

Then again, a break with plenty of sweets, coffee and tea till a bus comes to pick us up at 4:35.

In the green house of Alstroemeria

A bouquet of Alstroemeria that the family gave us as souvenior at the end of the day

◆2nd day◆
In the morning, we planted a flower bulb and two green vegetables' seedings

Make a hole of the depth of the first 2 knuckles

Put a bulb. The farmer repeated us to plant it with the sharpen part above. (if not, it won't bud)

Cover the buld with soil with its head a bit seen

Planting the veggies seedings

Water the filed with sprinkler !

At lunch, I had expected there would be something again but it was more than I thought... a big rice ball with fried porc and cabbages which is a famous local food in Komagane with homemade delicious sauce. And salad, homemade pickles (Nozawana), just gathered spinach etc... I was more than satisfied...

Afternoon, we went out to the field to remove the plastic covers on Trumpet lily bulbs.

This winter, there is much more snow than usual so there was always snow left and the soil over the cover was frozen and heavy... It was a hard work but as we ate more than enough, it was worth it.

As same as on the 1st day, we finished work at3:45 and got wonderful sweet time : very soft mochi just made that morning with walnuts sauce and homemade pudding !!!

It was a very very precious time and experience for me although it was only 2 days. I learned word work and life of farmers, the importance of nature, and great natural food.

I appreciate the family, Sakama-san's kindness and warm welcome !