Let it flow

The Tokushima Prefecture has a lot to offer. But above all, it surprises us with its beautiful nature. The rivers are incredibly clear and powerful, and there are numerous waterfalls and springs. We live on the outskirts of the city of Awa and are surrounded by rice fields and large hills. When it's hot, we go to the river and cool off there. However, one should not get too close to the current.

Awa is where the Awa Odori was born, a traditional dance that attracts millions of visitors every year during a big festival in August. At the museum, there are daily short performances, so we can also enjoy this folk dance to some extent. The history and procedure of the dance are explained in detail, but only in Japanese. Therefore, we can only imagine how this extraordinary dance came about. However, we are allowed to swing our legs and that's the most important thing.

The beach is not very far away. We take a day trip towards Takamatsu and discover a small beach. There, we (and a few other residents of our farm) are practically alone. Only one or two dog owners manage to find their way there with their four-legged friends. We find large red jellyfish on the beach (haven't we seen them in Kyoto before...?). Salia is fascinated and curiously pokes around in the dead jellyfish. A true spirit of exploration.

My personal highlight is Mount Tsurugi. With Hide-san (one of our farm leaders), Ido, and Jonas (both Workawayers), we hike to the second highest mountain in this prefecture. The mountain is not really high at 1950 meters, but the view is simply fantastic and we have a wonderful day together. We also visit two old suspension bridges. They are also known as the male and female bridge. They are hand-woven but reinforced with steel ropes. Hide-san explains to us that in earlier times, the vines of the suspension bridge could be cut and thus a pursuit by enemies could be prevented. We wobble over a small ravine and marvel at the beautiful river flowing beneath us. The colors of the river are indescribably beautiful. Finally, we treat ourselves to a visit to the onsen. It feels soooo good.