WWOOF is an international organization that allow volunteers to live and learn on organic properties. Mostly farms. WWOOF brings together Hosts and volunteers ("WWOOFers") helping each other to make a healthier world. WWOOF also promotes cultural understanding of the many diverse peoples and cultures around the world through the intercultural exchange that takes place while sharing in the daily life of others.
I had never heard of WWOOF until our 28 year old son, Nick, announced that he was planning on doing some traveling - something he loves to do. He had graduated college with a bachelor's in sculpture, and worked all summer teaching at art camps in Maine and Massachusetts. He put most of his belongings in storage in friend's barns and attics in Maine, where he had been living while working and going to college there, and brought his dog to Mom and Pop's. Next thing we knew, he bought a round trip ticket to Japan. Why Japan? Because he had never been there yet-- and he wanted to go experience the culture and see the artwork too. (He is an artistic glassblower.)
Then he educated us on WWOOF!
What are the aims of WWOOF?
"WWOOF volunteers ("WWOOFers") give time and energy to helping on the farm. If you are interested in environmentally sound living, want to have hands on learning about biodynamics, composting, bread, wine, cheese making, building with mud bricks, sustainable energy........ while living in the local community then volunteering with WWOOF might be for you. There are many national WWOOF organizations around the world benefiting communities. Each offer a unique experience, with a local flavour. Discover yourself, your own country or another culture."
Our son flew to Tokyo, then to Sappora (Japan.)!!! The time over there is directly opposite ours minus one hour. -- He called and said that in Soppora, which is in northern Japan, had a Mac Donalds and a 7-11 store. He didn't go into the Mac Donalds, but he bought a phone card in the 7-11. He said they sold fresh fish and crab cakes right on the counter at the cash register and fresh produce there too. The first two things he learned in Japanese were "How much is that?" and "I don't understand."
He moved to the farm where he was to stay after a day or two in the city. He said there were six people on the farm. Three of them were the owners, and three workers including himself. The owners of the farm spoke a little English. At least one of the other workers spoke some English too. Nick's jobs to start out with were to pick the produce, mainly lettuce, and let the goats out in the morning. He also went to the open air farm market and handed out samples while the other people from the farm sold produce. ~~ He said it was quite comical! ~ I am waiting to hear that story!
Before leaving the farm, he climbed Mt. Yotei- a volcanic mountain. It's the largest mountain in northern Japan. -- He said it took 8 hours to climb up and 8 hours down again. I did a bit of research on that mountain-- here is what I found:
Mount Yotei is an active stratovolcano located om Shikotsu-Toya National Park in Hokkaido, Japan.
It is also called "Yezo Fugi or Ezo Fuji" because it resembles the more famous Mount Fugi.
A Stratovolcano, sometimes called a composite volcano, is tall with many layers of hardened lava, tphra, and volcanic ash. These volcanos are characterized by their steep profiles. The lava that flows from these volcanos tends to cool and harden before spreading far.
Here is a photo of Mount Yotei- (Nick climbed it before it had snow on it.)
Now he has left the farm and has traveled to one of the national parks. He said he was going to visit one with another volcanic mountain that heats some bath houses built at it's base!
From there he will continue to travel south and eventually come to Tokyo. He flies home from there on Nov. 23rd!
Here is a bit more about WWOOF!
"WWOOF Hosts grow food organically, live sustainably and generally try to live a low impact life. If you want to share your knowledge and experience in organic growing, producing organic products and/ or experience in more ecological and sustainable methods of living. If can provide healthy meals and a safe, clean place to stay. If you want to open your home to a diverse range of people, locally and internationally then you may like to become a WWOOF host. Contact the your national WWOOF organization. They will give you the information you need to become a WWOOF host and start welcoming WWOOFers from all over the world" http://www.wwoofinternational.org/
Here is Nick and his host family!!
"Konichiwa- Niko hihong go doko desu. Sayonara."
Little Nick is 28 years old! And has traveled the world! How exciting to read about the volcano he climbed ~ pretty cool!
ReplyDeleteYes- I know you remember them from babies! Just remember- it's not us getting older- just them catching up!!
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