Wow. Our first post-Covid retreat. Our last retreat was in 2019, when we labored on a farm in Northern Hokkaido. It had been a while. And it felt emotional! People we hadn’t seen in nearly six years, who we worked with remotely. People we were meeting for the first time. A lot of those, actually. It was just so special to be able to come together again, to see each other and spend time with each other. Perhaps we (I?) was taking it for granted before. But, it was truly nice to see everyone.
For this one, we ended up in Kurashiki. Lots of old buildings. Lots of old people. Old people who were way too friendly, putting their heads out of windows to talk with us—for kind of a long time, sometimes. Giving off cult vibes, which I suppose is perfect for us.
If I had one complaint, it would be that it was a bit too touristy. Kurashiki is a popular place! But, once you get outside the central area it calms down. We spent time volunteering at the farmer’s market, and helping to remove broken flooring from a traditional house being remodeled. Things like that made Kurashiki feel like a genuine place.
Meeting Space
Our meeting space was in Shinkeien, a traditional Japanese building with a great garden right outside, and a big tatami area we were able to use throughout the week. We popped in and out and played board games, talked, and spent time with each other when we didn’t have something else scheduled.
Group Photos
The start of a tradition: take group photos that make it look like we’re part of a cult.
There was a photo studio right next to the hotel, and we asked on a whim if they had some time to take our group photos. And so, we put on our retreat shirts and went to the studio.
The lady running the place was having a really good time with this and got really into the premise. She was a lot of fun.
Our Time in Kurashiki
Kurashiki’s a nice place. We almost bought a dilapidated (traditional, old) house to remodel and turn into a guest house. Maybe we still will, and Tofugu will get into the guest house business and do WaniKani experience stays. I think I’m joking about that?
