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Aug 12, 2017

Country living and the story of the free watermelon

Country life has proven to be substantially different to city life in Japan already - and it couldn't be illustrated better than our family's evening walk yesterday. 


We like just going on evening walks to enjoy some outdoor time after we have dinner. Now, as you can imagine in an urban environment that means lots of noise, traffic to contend with, and not a whole ton of green space - it's definitely more of a sidewalk stroll than any appreciation of nature.


Country living and the story of the free watermelon photo


Last night though I was truly appreciative for our amazing view on our walk. We live by rice fields right now, so the view is incredible - the bright, vibrant green is so pleasant.  But more than the walk and the scenery, it was the friendliness of one of our neighbors that really blew me away. As we were walking by his house, he called our whole family over - there were some neighborhood kids all feasting on a watermelon that he had grown, and he was offering us some too. It was delicious - and we heartily expressed that to him - so he ran inside and got us a giant one to take home with us!


Country living and the story of the free watermelon photo


That's my husband with the watermelon right there! I can't remember the last time we had watermelon (since it's usually so expensive here in Japan) so the kindness of our neighbor - that we just met, mind you - was flooring to us.


Have you experienced this kind of warm welcome in Japan? Or perhaps, have you noticed a difference between city and country welcomes in Japan? I'm curious to hear your thoughts!


4 Comments

  • edthethe

    on Aug 12

    i survive most weeks on gifted vegetables and fruit during the summer season. it is fantastic

  • genkidesu

    on Aug 13

    @edthethe isn't it wonderful? i love that people are so willing to share. it's a great way to get to know the neighbors too - we brought him some chocolates as a thank you :)

  • bluerobot

    on Sep 5

    Hi Mr and Mrs GenkiDesu. Thanks for your lovely posts. Enjoyed the Cough Drop Kit Kat post, and now this free globe-shaped watermelon. Might I ask the story of how you ended up in Japan? Signed, An ex-ALT :)

  • genkidesu

    on Sep 5

    @bluerobot my husband worked here for 4 years and now he's studying his PhD. we love japan so it was the right decision for us :)